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Clematis

Hi 

Bought two Clemantis Piilu, do these require anything other than the mesh I've put up? Are they slow growing? Many Thanks 

Sorry the picture is sideways !

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    What height is the mesh, and how are you growing the clematis?

    There's a neverending problem with the photos - not your fault  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Now growing vertically

    Rutland, England
  • Fairygirl said:
    What height is the mesh, and how are you growing the clematis?

    There's a neverending problem with the photos - not your fault  :)

    Hi 👋 
    The mesh is around 6ft tall, to the height of the fence. I planted them directly in the ground. I was concerned that the mesh squares were too small but apparently I've been told that it will be fine. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That should be ok, but make sure you undo all the little ties that are always on clematis, and tie the stems in carefully - horizontally. That will hep give coverage of the mesh.
    The ties/canes etc are only there to keep the plants safe while in transport, or when out on shelves etc for sale  :)
    If they've been planted right up against the fence, that can be very dry, so you may need to watch the watering. These larger flowered types need plenty of moisture. You would also plant them deeper, so that they can produce new shoots from below ground, and they need plenty of hearty soil, so organic matter should be added on planting, but you can also add that at regular intervals to ensure the soil's healthy and rich enough for them to thrive  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Fairygirl said:
    That should be ok, but make sure you undo all the little ties that are always on clematis, and tie the stems in carefully - horizontally. That will hep give coverage of the mesh.
    The ties/canes etc are only there to keep the plants safe while in transport, or when out on shelves etc for sale  :)
    If they've been planted right up against the fence, that can be very dry, so you may need to watch the watering. These larger flowered types need plenty of moisture. You would also plant them deeper, so that they can produce new shoots from below ground, and they need plenty of hearty soil, so organic matter should be added on planting, but you can also add that at regular intervals to ensure the soil's healthy and rich enough for them to thrive  :)
    Oh wow thank you for that informative reply. I'll remove the green ties, I didn't realise I had to remove them.
     Once they've been removed do I need to manually tie them onto the mesh or will they search out the mesh on their own? 

    Thanks again, much appreciated 👍 
  • Fairygirl said:
    That should be ok, but make sure you undo all the little ties that are always on clematis, and tie the stems in carefully - horizontally. That will hep give coverage of the mesh.
    The ties/canes etc are only there to keep the plants safe while in transport, or when out on shelves etc for sale  :)
    If they've been planted right up against the fence, that can be very dry, so you may need to watch the watering. These larger flowered types need plenty of moisture. You would also plant them deeper, so that they can produce new shoots from below ground, and they need plenty of hearty soil, so organic matter should be added on planting, but you can also add that at regular intervals to ensure the soil's healthy and rich enough for them to thrive  :)


    Is this better? Removed all plastic straps and spread the vines out horizontally 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Looks good  :)
    I usually tie stems in, simply because it's often quite windy here and they get broken easily, but they'll also wind their way in and around the support. Just keep an eye on it and if there's a few wayward stems, you can guide them in carefully and tie them gently with suitable string. It's easy when they're soft and green, but they can still break quite easily.

    I'd remove those rocks - they're just a hiding place for slugs. There's a myth about this kind of thing, but what your clematis needs is a deep, cool root run, and that's where the correct site and watering comes in. It's far better to add organic matter as a mulch which helps the structure, and the general health of the soil, as well as helping with enough moisture retention    :)
    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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