Clematis really don't like growing in containers they are much happier in the ground. I know plastic dustbins are not that pretty but they are cheap and plenty deep, hope that helps. Linda from Wales.
I have a dustbin pot which I painted with thick render sort of paint in two mixed colours, sort of beige and cream to look like limestone. Forgot that in above answer, bin was cheap, paint was in cupboard, left over.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Ok, this is proving a very difficult decision. From your replies, it doesn't sound as if clematis are that happy in containers and given the fact that I've found it so difficult to get the right depth of container anyway, and now I'm wondering even if the soil part of the plan is deep enough for clematis.
Mike, your mention of quick thick cover and roses has made me think. For some reason, I didn't think I could get climbing roses to grow in containers (pls forgive my ignorance). I wanted roses in this area in the first place and removed a big old neglected honeysuck bush thinking that there was all soil underneath it, only to find a big slab of concrete for half of the area, hence resorting to a container.
I would really appreciate some recommendations. It is a shady area, may be lucky if it gets a couple of hours sun in the morning but it's a very bright area albeit not a lot of sun. It's an L shape and there are concrete walls/trellis work for them to grow on.
I like what I call a "proper" old fashioned rose shape - not the ones that look like ranunculus or the single petal ones. Ideally I would like deep red, tangerine/peach and possibly one of those gorgeous pale lilacs.
I've found a huge tub at B&Q for £12 - I'm talking probably 70cm wide and 50cm deep which would house 2 of the roses and 1 would go in the soil. I've got wire ready to go on the concrete bits.
Charley that would be fine for a Clematis. Don't be put off by what we've said about having them in pots. It's just that they thrive better in the ground, which makes it easier to maintain them. As long as you give them enough food and water you can grow Clematis successfully in a pot that size. I was constructing raised beds last year so I had three of them in pots from about May. I mentioned one already, but I had an Etoile Violette in a 12" plastic pot which grew well and flowered all summer. I just had to be vigilant - especially with watering - but I had other plants in pots shading it's roots which helped enormously. Here's a pic -you can see there's plenty of buds. It had only been in the pot a short while and made plenty of growth :
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I put 2 patio clematis in 2 large pots last year; they were not very impressive, hopefully they will do better this year. I will be feeding them tomato food.
Oooh, the Clematis are so lovely. Thanks for posting all the photos. I've made up my mind. I'm going to try two clematis in the big pot and a climbing rose in the soil because I don't think the soil is deep enough to cope with the clematis. Kind of a complete reverse in my thinking but thanks to you all here, I think that will be the best idea. I will have some partial shade herbs in pots that may do well at the bottom of the clematis pot and protect the roots at the same time.
It does prove all over again, that nothing beats experience in gardening. Thank you all for your patience and help.
Take a look at Taylor's Clematis site. You'll get loads of ideas for your particular aspect and the time of year you want flowers. A word of warning though - Clematis can be very addicitive!
Lovely pic JGenie. Nice choice for underneath
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have planted New Dawn on a north facing wall before and they did very well. They are a nicely scented pale pink flower. Not single but not full like David Austins - which I love. A good rose for difficult places.
Posts
you can now buy them for small pots and hanging baskets,I have not seen them myself but have read they are available .
Clematis really don't like growing in containers they are much happier in the ground. I know plastic dustbins are not that pretty but they are cheap and plenty deep, hope that helps. Linda from Wales.
I have a dustbin pot which I painted with thick render sort of paint in two mixed colours, sort of beige and cream to look like limestone. Forgot that in above answer, bin was cheap, paint was in cupboard, left over.
Ok, this is proving a very difficult decision. From your replies, it doesn't sound as if clematis are that happy in containers and given the fact that I've found it so difficult to get the right depth of container anyway, and now I'm wondering even if the soil part of the plan is deep enough for clematis.
Mike, your mention of quick thick cover and roses has made me think. For some reason, I didn't think I could get climbing roses to grow in containers (pls forgive my ignorance). I wanted roses in this area in the first place and removed a big old neglected honeysuck bush thinking that there was all soil underneath it, only to find a big slab of concrete for half of the area, hence resorting to a container.
I would really appreciate some recommendations. It is a shady area, may be lucky if it gets a couple of hours sun in the morning but it's a very bright area albeit not a lot of sun. It's an L shape and there are concrete walls/trellis work for them to grow on.
I like what I call a "proper" old fashioned rose shape - not the ones that look like ranunculus or the single petal ones. Ideally I would like deep red, tangerine/peach and possibly one of those gorgeous pale lilacs.
I've found a huge tub at B&Q for £12 - I'm talking probably 70cm wide and 50cm deep which would house 2 of the roses and 1 would go in the soil. I've got wire ready to go on the concrete bits.
Charley that would be fine for a Clematis. Don't be put off by what we've said about having them in pots. It's just that they thrive better in the ground, which makes it easier to maintain them. As long as you give them enough food and water you can grow Clematis successfully in a pot that size. I was constructing raised beds last year so I had three of them in pots from about May. I mentioned one already, but I had an Etoile Violette in a 12" plastic pot which grew well and flowered all summer. I just had to be vigilant - especially with watering - but I had other plants in pots shading it's roots which helped enormously. Here's a pic -you can see there's plenty of buds. It had only been in the pot a short while and made plenty of growth :
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I put 2 patio clematis in 2 large pots last year; they were not very impressive, hopefully they will do better this year. I will be feeding them tomato food.
I have several clematis growing in pots, Mine seem to do well.
This is Crystal Fountain last year,
I've underplanted it with violets and top dress it every Spring. Other than feeding, no special treatment,
Oooh, the Clematis are so lovely. Thanks for posting all the photos. I've made up my mind. I'm going to try two clematis in the big pot and a climbing rose in the soil because I don't think the soil is deep enough to cope with the clematis. Kind of a complete reverse in my thinking but thanks to you all here, I think that will be the best idea. I will have some partial shade herbs in pots that may do well at the bottom of the clematis pot and protect the roots at the same time.
It does prove all over again, that nothing beats experience in gardening. Thank you all for your patience and help.
Charley - nothing ventured
Take a look at Taylor's Clematis site. You'll get loads of ideas for your particular aspect and the time of year you want flowers. A word of warning though - Clematis can be very addicitive!
Lovely pic JGenie. Nice choice for underneath
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have planted New Dawn on a north facing wall before and they did very well. They are a nicely scented pale pink flower. Not single but not full like David Austins - which I love. A good rose for difficult places.