I planted some clematis this spring in the hopes that it would grow around my mailbox and generally look awesome. Currently the vines are only about 9 inches long, and I'm trying to figure out a way to get them started around the mailbox.

It seems silly to put any sort of trellis in the space, but it also seems like a bad idea to just leave the vines on the ground when I want them to climb. Will the plant naturally climb at some point? Or does it make sense to set up something to get it started? 

I think it depends on what kind of surface your mailbox post is. If it's too smooth you might need to help it. I'd try to find a small twiggy branch to nestle at the base of the post. Got any neat-looking driftwood?

No driftwood, but I could rig something like that up. The mailbox is fairly smooth vinyl, so I think that's going to be problematic.

 

Someone also told me that you're supposed to shade the roots of a clematis....you know anything about this? I have a good layer of mulch, but I don't know if that will be enough shade. 

Keep in mind that Clematis takes 2-3 years to become fully established. If you have access to grapevine, you can wind it loosely up around the mailbox pole. I have had great luck with this method. Secure the thickest part of the vine into the soil (I used an old clothespin on the vine, and buried that end about 6 inches under the soil to hold in place). Loosely spiral the vine up the pole and secure with floral wire (or whatever you have on hand) at the top. The tendrils on the Clematis will have no problem attaching itself to the grapevine. Another good option is the long flexible branches of a Forsythia bush.

Hey, that's a great idea. I have PLENTY of wild grapevines to use for this.

The clematis I have planted are pretty puny still, but I was checking them out yesterday and, short as the are, they're covered with buds. Healthy, if a bit on the small side. Their size is probably a good thing really, because the mailbox is getting replaced really soon (I have the new one already), and if they were much more established I'd be concerned about them being in the way.