My six clems do well in clay but there is a lot of improvement in the top soil.
From ten years of growing various ones, I find that some really need watering through the year and some do fine on their own (same soil, diffferent preferences and habits). My Cirrhosas need watering signifantly through the summer - perhaps because they are more delicate. Mine are being shoved-pruned this year. Montana was set on world domination with no aid from me. Ternifloras look after themselves.
@punkdoc@Fairygirl I think alot of my problems in the past came from limited knowledge regarding my soil conditions. In one part of my old garden there was thick seams of dense red clay up to 4ft deep. In many areas the red clay was literally just below the surface. Very difficult conditions for small fiberous roots. Over thirty years I managed to make big improvements but still had a garden that dried out in summer and was wet in winter. I started this garden 36 years ago and learnt so much about difficult growing conditions. It was impossible to improve the soil throughout the garden more a case of doing the best in difficult situations.
I have moved about ten miles away from my old house, the soil is still clay but a greyish sandy yellow with a 'pan' that is red/grey, with more understanding and improved learning I now know just how critical it is to get soil right before planting. There is a place marked for an Actea but sadly just one in a fern bed planted a few weeks ago. There is also an area that I am struggling with what to do, maybe an obelisk with a clematis you have both inspired me to consider this option. I am hopeful the soil here will be more forgiving.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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I'll give it a go and see how I get along but it's good to know there's plenty of options!
I have moved about ten miles away from my old house, the soil is still clay but a greyish sandy yellow with a 'pan' that is red/grey, with more understanding and improved learning I now know just how critical it is to get soil right before planting.
There is a place marked for an Actea but sadly just one in a fern bed planted a few weeks ago. There is also an area that I am struggling with what to do, maybe an obelisk with a clematis you have both inspired me to consider this option. I am hopeful the soil here will be more forgiving.