It's a 10 litre pot so not sure how much larger it needs to be. It was bought on the strength that it's not a large Clematis and that it's quite happy in a pot.
I will be re-potting and adding soil to the compost.
Yes, the slate is to keep the roots cool (advice taken from another experienced gardener). In all the years I've had it, there has never been any evidence of slugs or other pests.
I was advised not to sit the pot straight on to the soil (it's in a border); I guess I can put feet under it.
Can I ask why you didn't just plant it in the ground? That would have made it easier
I'd get rid of the slate and fill the container up properly. It's about three inches 'short', which also means there's actually far less medium for it to grow in. You can also use a mulch of something now and again to prevent too much moisture loss, which is more of an issue with pots
10 litres isn't very big as containers go, especially as it's the kind which tapers towards the bottom in a 'tulip' shape. 10 litres is only about 2 gallons, and that's if it's full to the brim. That's less capacity than a standard bucket. Too small for supporting a climber of that age. If you want your plant to thrive and get to maximum strength, it would be worth getting something bigger so that it has more room to produce further shoots from below the surface. If constantly restricted, eventually the pot will contain more root than soil, making it hard for the plant to sustain itself.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Plenty of good responses on this thread, I agree that it would be best to remove the slate and fill the pot up to almost the top, I use peat based multi purpose compost, then give it plenty of water if you are sure the drainage holes are working, a really good plant.
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It's a 10 litre pot so not sure how much larger it needs to be. It was bought on the strength that it's not a large Clematis and that it's quite happy in a pot.
I will be re-potting and adding soil to the compost.
Yes, the slate is to keep the roots cool (advice taken from another experienced gardener). In all the years I've had it, there has never been any evidence of slugs or other pests.
I was advised not to sit the pot straight on to the soil (it's in a border); I guess I can put feet under it.
I'd get rid of the slate and fill the container up properly. It's about three inches 'short', which also means there's actually far less medium for it to grow in.
You can also use a mulch of something now and again to prevent too much moisture loss, which is more of an issue with pots
10 litres isn't very big as containers go, especially as it's the kind which tapers towards the bottom in a 'tulip' shape. 10 litres is only about 2 gallons, and that's if it's full to the brim. That's less capacity than a standard bucket. Too small for supporting a climber of that age.
If you want your plant to thrive and get to maximum strength, it would be worth getting something bigger so that it has more room to produce further shoots from below the surface. If constantly restricted, eventually the pot will contain more root than soil, making it hard for the plant to sustain itself.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...