Clematis Question?

We have a patio that we are going to make "enclosed" by putting trelasses (sp?) all the way around & adding Clematis plants. We eventually want the trelasses to be completely covered & for no spaces to be in between the plants... How far apart do we need to plant them to achieve this? Also, do we need to do anything to make sure they grow out & meet with the plant next to them?

Do you need to space them 2 ft apart. The fastest growing clematis is Sweet Autumn.
Also you need to choose the right trellis. The secret is anything over 3/4 inch in diamater is too large for Clematis leaf to grasp. Clematis climb by twisting leaf stems. The vine itself does not twine.
If your trellis is over 3/4 inch in diameter you can add nylon fishing line in between, so the clematis can climb and cover the empty space or you can plant climbing roses for the first 3 year and plant clematis after so the clematis can climb through the rose stems. This is why people plant them together as companion plants.

Have fun with your Clematis. They are beautiful.

The most rapidly growing clematis is montana which comes in white, pale or deep pinks. It is deciduous however - do you want the trellises to be covered all year long? If so, think of planting in a couple of evergreen clematis between the others. You could add winter flowering jasmine (yellow flower and continuous green leaf) as it grows rapidly and would intertwine well. Over time a montana, by itself, will cover a very big area, but would take a few years. Spacing depends on timing needed for coverage and whether you will add other climbers.

try planting Morning Glories too, they cover quickly once they get going, I know my clematis is a slow grower and doesn't hide anything