Oh great, so I can just put the mulch down right on it, and it won't mind, that's good to know.
I am learning fast, but so much more to learn still.
I didn't realise the support is not big enough! I have another clematis too, a Group 2 Clematis virginiana ("Devil’s Darning Needles"), that needs a support as it has nothing. What is a good support to buy, or is it is possible to buy bendy long twigs of some kind to make one?
Fairygirl, that's a beautiful picture, is that somewhere in Scotland?
In the ground, it's easier if you have either shrubs/trees for clematis to grow through [which is their natural habit] or a trellis or wires along a fence/wall etc. That makes life easier for tying them in and also getting good coverage, so that you can appreciate the flowers more easily
Yes - the current photo is from the summit of Sgurr a Mhaoraich up at Loch Quoich in the north Highlands
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It doesn't apply to the OP as it is only a small area, but you don't need to cut back a Group 3. It isn't a rule that must be followed or the plant will die! For many years i had a Group 3 Bill McKenzie growing unpruned up into a conifer for about 10m or thereabouts, and it put on a lovely display every year. I treated it as a Group 1.
If yo want to keep a group 3 clem to the size indictaed in its growing info you do need to cut them back each year. And feed them every year. And water them generously in dry spells as they get thirsty.
Mulching generously will help with that but do try and find some manure. Most GCs and DIYs with garden sections sell it in bags. Much better than multi-purpose compost.
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)."
Any that are grown up through a tree don't need maintained in quite the same way. It can be quite difficult to faff around with them, especially once they're mature, because of getting all the old stems out. It's why montanas are really good for that too, and they don't need pruned at all.
...and no - they won't die if they don't get pruned, but it gives a far better display in a border
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
Yes - the current photo is from the summit of Sgurr a Mhaoraich up at Loch Quoich in the north Highlands
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
For many years i had a Group 3 Bill McKenzie growing unpruned up into a conifer for about 10m or thereabouts, and it put on a lovely display every year. I treated it as a Group 1.
Mulching generously will help with that but do try and find some manure. Most GCs and DIYs with garden sections sell it in bags. Much better than multi-purpose compost.
...and no - they won't die if they don't get pruned, but it gives a far better display in a border
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...