Clematis Little Lemons

Ruthmshaw · January 2022

Hi, I am thinking of planting clematis Little Lemons and would like to know if anyone has tried this as some of the information on it rather makes me wonder if it would be too temperamental for me. Thanks.

Fairygirl · January 2022

What is it that makes you think it would be difficult @Ruthmshaw?
Reading Thorncroft's info, it seems to be a new variety of tangutica, and suitable for containers.
Heavy/wet soil is no good for it apparently [no use here then] and would be ideal in pots for smaller spaces etc. Seems happy to be in sunny sites too

Ruthmshaw · January 2022

It is the watering issue that is putting me off. How much is too much?

Fairygirl · January 2022

That's impossible to determine. You learn by experience how much to water. If it's in the ground, your soil and climate dictates, and in a pot, you're totally responsible for the plant's needs.

For the latter, if you're in a wetter area like I am, you have to mitigate the soil mix by making sure it's very gritty. For a plant that likes good drainage, a gritty, soil based medium is needed anyway if it's staying potted long term. Positioning the pot is also a factor, and you can minimise the amount of water getting in by having it closer to house walls etc.
That doesn't mean it won't need regular watering though. It's a common mistake many people make with things like lavender and rosemary for example - they assume that they'll be fine because they like drier conditions, but in a pot, it's different.
Watering could be daily in hot weather - or even twice daily, but in wet spells it may need nothing as long as the rain is penetrating foliage properly. If you lift the pot, you can tell by the weight whether the soil is drier too, so it's a good way of getting used to the amount of watering needed. Looking at the general conditions of the plant is also a hint as to whether it's dry or not.
The most important thing with a potted plant is - if the soil is quite dry, when you water and it comes out the bottom, don't make the mistake of thinking it therefore doesn't need any. When soil/compost dries out it creates gaps, and when you water it just runs straight through. To sort that, either dunk the whole thing in a larger bucket or similar, and wait until bubbles stop appearing, or put a saucer or tray underneath, and leave it until all the water in that gets absorbed. It may need a couple of shots with the latter.
That way, you'll know the plant is rehydrated.
Hope that helps a bit

AnniD · January 2022

Assuming that you're putting it in a pot, l would say the best way is to stick your finger in the compost and feel how dry it is. It's difficult to give a general timescale as a lot depends on the type of pot, the location etc.

Ruthmshaw · January 2022

Thanks everyone, I think I will give it a go!

Dovefromabove · January 2022

Let us know how you get on with it. It looks a very pretty plant.

Fairygirl · January 2022

Good luck with it @Ruthmshaw

Ladybird4 · January 2022

Hello @Ruthmshaw, I have two of these plants growing in pots and I will be putting them into their final large pots this Spring. They are gorgeous and not too demanding but Fairygirl and Anni D are correct - you learn to judge when watering is needed by looking at the compost.

Clematis Little Lemons

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