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Clematis

susan827susan827 Posts: 4

I have never had any luck with growing clematis, which

seems ridiculous when I see neighbours plants growing

successfully!  Plus, an awful waste of money.  Are they

susceptible to any plant eating bugs?

What am I doing wrong?

Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043

    They are hungry thirsty plants. If the weather is dry they need watering, a proper weekly soak is better than a sprinkle. Slugs and snails like them and can eat new shoots and the bark around older shoots. Clematis can also get an illness called clematis wilt which causes them to collapse suddenly. Planting them deeply helps to prevent this.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Are they in the ground or in pots? I have two in pots and it is important to keep the roots covered, i have put pebbles and shells over the top of the pots.  They must have plenty of water and be well drained and regular feeding from spring.  

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    susan827 says

    What am I doing wrong?

    See original post

     What  problem / problems are you  having?  More info will give us more help for offering advice  image

    Location, site, types of clematis, other planting,  aspect etc.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • susan827susan827 Posts: 4

    On a South facing wall - as is my neighbours, which is doing great.

    Was originally in a pot, maybe I disturbed it too soon to plant in the garden?

    I have tried several types, Dr Rupple, passion flower, et al.  Not much planting 

    where I had them, maybe the soil was not good enough or had enough

    nutrients??

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043

    Clematis tend to prefer a soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Do you have a very acidic soil, the sort that grows good azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias?

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    If it was well watered before planting, and planted in a well prepared hole which had some compost /well rotted manure etc, plus a bit of slow release fertiliser added, there shouldn't really be a great problem. 

    If they were  planted too close to the wall, not deeply enough, and not well enough watered afterwards, they  may  well have suffered. If the plants were a bit pot bound as well, that will have an effect on their growth as it prevents the roots getting beyond the 'pot' shape they're growing in. Not all clems like lots of sun either. They need a lot of watering in an aspect like that if they're to thrive. image

    Last edited: 20 May 2017 11:13:42

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Coul you send a pic of a failing clematis ? Maybe it gives more of an idea on what the problem may be.

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