Hi Nollie I think the main thing is, whether it’s a myths or not, is that shade will hopefully keep the Clematis in a cool position and lessen the soil drying out. This reduces the need for watering imo.
Anything that stops the soil drying out, be it a mulch or a slate is far from a myths but an essential part of Clematis well being and care to promote healthy growth All my Clematis get a good watering to the base of the plant every week or more dependent on the weather, even if a mulch or slate covering is present
Totally agree with that. Any strong heat to the base of the plant, if not mulched or covered means you will be watering Clematis every other day in the Summer months.
As gardeners we should give consideration all the environmental issues that constant watering creates
..it's all about optimum conditions really isn't it.. we could declare anything a myth if we're prepared to accept a lesser result.. I do it all the time with roses.. ''needing 6 hours of full sun'' is often quoted. Yes, best practice, yet some of mine get about 2 hours if lucky... do I get as many blooms? probably not..
..here's a clematis I made earlier, which I've just realised is in quite a bit of sun... this works for me...maybe not you..
I have an Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' (?) in my garden, which is in a very shallow, dry and sunny raised bed against a brick wall - pretty terrible conditions really (there was also a climbing rose planted right next to it, but I removed that). When I had a dig in that area, the clematis roots (a proper mass of orange bootlaces) were concentrated on the underside of a broken slab that was there. This sort of cemented the notion that slabs were helpful in my mind. But I don't really have a slug problem here, and the clematis is already established and vigorous. So, OK... I won't mention it as advice again.
I'm still gonna do it myself though
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
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I think the main thing is, whether it’s a myths or not, is that shade will hopefully keep the Clematis in a cool position and lessen the soil drying out. This reduces the need for watering imo.
All my Clematis get a good watering to the base of the plant every week or more dependent on the weather, even if a mulch or slate covering is present
Totally agree with that. Any strong heat to the base of the plant, if not mulched or covered means you will be watering Clematis every other day in the Summer months.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
..here's a clematis I made earlier, which I've just realised is in quite a bit of sun... this works for me...maybe not you..
I'm still gonna do it myself though
Not doing much in the garden today as it’s way too windy. I have been out and taken some pictures though. They’re growing on nicely!
Buds now on two of the three plants, nearly there!
counting was never One of my strongpoints!