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Clematis through a Tree

ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 313
in Plants
I have a Nelly Moser that has “temporarily” been in a pot since the shed it was growing up was demolished 2 years ago. 
I have a pleached plum tree in a bed all of its own, and I’ve two options. Plant the clematis in the bed with an obelisk, or plant it below the tee and grow it up through that.

What does the hive mind think?

Posts

  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    edited 18 February
    For me I would say obelisk. It won't have to compete if it's planted on its own, will be easier to manage and you get two features instead of one.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Depends on the conditions you have too. You'd need to plant the clem a reasonable distance away from the tree, and it would need adequate moisture to do well.
    However, the biggest problem [probably] is - N. Moser gets very bleached if it's in a sunny site. They're best in shady aspects - north facing is ideal. I'm guessing your tree is in a sunnier spot. 
    If you're using an obelisk - it'll need to be a decent enough size. It's a big clematis.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 313
    edited 18 February
    @Fairygirl the obelisk is about my height. But you’re right, this is south facing, so it’ll get very bleached.

    back to the drawing board.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Nelly Moser gets to between 2 and 4 m high depending on how good the soil is in which she's planted.  She also has her main flowering period in May/June so not the best choice for planting with a plum tree and would need a good sized obelisk.

    She's also subject to fading in full sun so try and find a semi-shaded spot or a northerly aspect and maybe a trellis or tensioned wires to grow up.   

    Lovely clematis so worth finding her a good spot and do make sure you pot her on with extra compost and some slow release fertiliser for clematis, roses or tomatoes before she gets going this spring.
    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)."
    Plato
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 313
    The spot where my wife and her Mum previously planted Nelly was in full sun and she did indeed get bleached a lot. I’m not blessed with a lot of good spots to plant her TBH- if any.
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