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Clematis that doesn't want to flower
Robert183
Posts: 11
I bought a clematis last year and planted it as per instructions deeper than the original pot depth with the roots in a shady place, it is growing up through an Acer. Last year and this year it grows strongly early in the season then slows down and stops and the lower leaves start to go brown and die off at about this time of year, no flowers at all (it is meant to have nice big red ones) any ideas would be useful, I don't have the variety to hand but another evergreen clematis (avalanche) planted in the same area of the garden growing on a fence is doing very well.
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The Acer will be competing for water Robert - that's vital for the continued success of your clematis.
The bigger the Acer, the more nutrients it will take out the ground. You may need to rethink the position of the clematis.
That's my best suggestion without seeing a pic or getting more info. Any more info you can offer will help with further advice from others
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I've had problems with birds pecking the buds of clematis. I resorted to netting them over to stop it although that clearly won't be practical for one growing through a tree.
Food and water shortage most likely. I also find some clems take 2 or 3 years to get their roots established before they flourish upstairs so try a good drink of liquid tomato food now and make sure you feed it generously with a slow release clematis food next spring and occasional tonics of tomato feed from then to mid summer.
Thanks for all the help folks, a small addition to this the variety of clematis is "Ernest Markham" .
I have also noticed little white fluffy dots on the Acer (scale?) would this also affect the Clematis?
All responses gratefully received.