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Clematis conundrum

KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
in Problem solving
I recently purchased two clematis, both Group 3 - late flowering and both with claimed similar height.  There are growing on either side of an obelisk / tower thingy, so no more than about a foot apart.  One has put on a lot of growth and quite a few flowers whilst the other has put on absolutely no growth, but otherwise looks healthy enough.  I has just produced a couple of flowers.  Planting process for both was identical too.
Any thoughts on why they have acted so differently?
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Posts

  • Joy*Joy* Posts: 571
    Different plants grow at different rates. Some spend their energies growing a good root system whilst others put on growth at the top. Don't despair,  keep them watered and eventually they should catch up with each other. I have two clematis, same variety,  planted not too far apart. One flowered last year (and this) the other hasn't had a single flower yet.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Different amounts of sun/shade on opposite sides of the support?
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    No difference in sun/shade but Joy may well have the answer as the one which isn't putting on growth is looking healthy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If they're no more than a foot apart, one is getting all the available moisture.
    Too close for a couple of Group 3s to really thrive. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    They are both being watered regularly, and separately.  They are actually more like 18" apart.  They are growing up something similar to this.  Classic Garden Obelisk - Agriframes
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Some are certainly slower to get away, but as long as you keep them well watered and mulched, they should be ok. If there's other planting nearby, that will have a bearing on moisture retention. 
    Fingers crossed both will be fine  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    What varieties are they?  Lots of group 3 clematis would find one of those on its own to be too small.

    As for the conundrum, newly planted clematis can take a couple of years to get their roots down and established before they romp away above ground so keep both well watered, especially in hot and/or dry spells and feed generously next spring and again in June.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I'm starting to wonder if I have planted too much on that obelisk Obelixx.  I want plenty of late colour so it seemed a good idea at the time to plant two with contrasting colours.  I'll leave them for this year and move one next year if necessary.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I love planting two with contrasting colours but usually along a trellis or tensioned wires so they have room.   Has to be a small clematis of not more that 2 or 3 metres to be wound happily round a single obelisk.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd tend to pick smaller varieties too, if it's for an obelisk.
    Many Group 3s would really annihilate an obelisk on their own - even a big one.  
    Maybe I'm just too lazy to constantly train one round though  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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