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Bit of advice needed
susananwms
Posts: 213
in Plants
Is this plant a campanula? Its the nearest that I have found that resembles it. I am making a list of what I want for next year Also wondered if this would be suitable to plant in garden at base of clematis to protect roots
0
Posts
I find they make good ground cover, so it might be worth considering
This is one of these odd myths -the 'feet in shade, head in the sun' scenario. Most Clematis need a deep, cool root run, not shade, as such, at the base. I think this confusion has arisen because people think the two things are the same, which they really aren't. The specialist clematis growers are now giving this info too.
There are exceptions to the amount of water needed - many of the early clems [alpinas etc] like drier conditions, so it's important to know which types you have, as well as having them in the right site.
Apart from the campanula competing for water in particular, slugs love them, and it's just a place for them to hide, and then eat the emerging clematis shoots, which they love anyway and don't need any encouragement in that department. A good layer of compost or other organic matter is a far better choice for the base of clematis to help retain moisture, especially if it's hot/dry when first planted
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
One is purple with summer flowers and the other is a more burgundy with slightly smaller flower. They have grown better this year but have suddenly started to droop and die off, do not know whether this due to heatwave or my watering habits?
I suggest you start a new thread with a couple of photos and see what response you get. Good luck!
On the whole, clematis, especially summer flowering ones, are hungry, thirsty plants so if yours are drooping try giving them a good long drink - 15 litres - poured slowly so it soaks in and repeat every couple of days till they recover.
Pruning regimes differ between the winter and early spring flowering types and the late spring and summer types but, for simplicity, these last two can both be pruned back hard every spring, given a good feed, and then trained as they re-grow and flower on current season's growth.
I certainly woudn't plant them with Clematis. Neither wouldn't I plant a Clematis in a pot - possible I know, but I've never had long term sucess in doing so.
However, if they're both summer flowering, they're likely to be Group 3 types, so @Obelixx's advice is good.
I can't decide from your posts if you mean the clematis are in the ground or potted, or if it's just the campanula.
In pots, most of the Group 3 clems will struggle, unless it's a purpose built large container with the right growing medium, in the right aspect, and with suitable support. If you also move them into the shade, that will help with dehydration. Many clems have struggled this year due to dry conditions at just the time when they need moisture most. The larger flowered Group 2s and 3s need lots...and lots...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I also did not mention that these 2 clematis are planted in the ground. I do have one planted in a big pot, there were 2 but one died, the remaining one seems to be ok at moment
I do have a beast of a montana which is a battle to keep under control but am also realising the importance of knowing the species of the other 3 and I have no idea.
I have cut them back in Spring (except for one in pot which is new this year) and I think they have grown ok this year. Have posted pic to see if someone has vague idea of what I've got. Newer smaller one at bottom