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Clematis problems
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Posted by Louholla South East UK (My Page) on Wed, May 25, 05 at 9:46
| Hi, something really strange seems to be happening to both my Clematis's. The first one Armandii (Apple Blossom)I bought last summer and planted it in the ground in a spot where it gets some sun in the morning and none in the afternoon. The problem is, it flowered for the first time beautifully but then some of the leaves turned a mottled browny yellow colour, it has some new red growth but not as much as it grew last year. Does anyone know whats wrong with it?
The other one i have had no end of problems with it is a clematis (Bees Juilee) again i planted it last summer but in full sun and on the new lawn and it started wilting but produced one large lovely pink flower in august/sept. So at the beginning of the spring I put it in a pot away from the lawn as i thought it might of been getting too much water from the sprinkler we had on the new lawn last year, and it loved it and was growing very well. It had survived lots and lots of green flys which I keep blasting but has now decided not just to wilt on me again but to produce 3 flowers that are tiny and WHITE and look very poorly!!!! lol and its only May??? Strange Ha! I really feel like given up and chucking it out and buying a new one. Does anyone know what the problem could be?
Tina |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Clematis problems
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| Clematis armandii need the protection of a sheltered wall to do best (Mine is on a southeast facing wall) and also it is a good idea to add well-rotted manure or garden compost and bonemeal at planting time. Water in well and mulch (a pebble or gravel mulch is ideal by a wall). If you plant against a wall make sure it is positioned well away from the base (up to 30cm). This is because the soil under a wall is generally very dry. The hole you plant in should be deep so as to allow the first 10-20cm of the stems to be below the soil surface. Keep it well watered in the first year. You never mentioned if you shaded the roots of your Bees Jubilee when you had it planted in the lawn. If it was in full sun and had plenty of water then the problem may have been as a result of not giving it enough shade at the roots. It is compact and so ideal for a container but the problem is making sure it is well fed and watered. I would not give up just yet because a lot of satisfaction can be derived from resurrecting an ailing plant. Hope this helps. Jane |
RE: Clematis problems
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| Hi Jane, after reading what you said i think the problem with the Armandii might be that i did not plant it deep enough, i certainly didn't plant 10 - 20cm of the stem in the ground. Would it still flower so well though, if not planted deep enough? It is in a sheltered spot and the roots are covered with slate chippings. The bees jubilee was also covered with slate chippings at the roots. When i put it in the pot i kept it in full sun but again the roots are covered with slate chippings. Since ive had it, it has never looked that well, im gonna give it another week as it has two more flower buds on it as i want to see how they come out first. Then if it still looks naff i think it will have to go in the bin. thanks tina |
RE: Clematis problems
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| The idea behind planting the stems 10 to 20 cm below ground level is to provide an insurance policy against the dreaded clematis wilt. This can sometimes happen in the first few years. The plant can suddently wilt for no apparent reason. The usual advice is to cut back the affected stems to ground level and hopefully new shoots will grow from the base. Covering the first 10 to 20 cms keeps that part of the stem healthy, thereby providing a means for regrowth. As for lack of flowers, from my own experience I know that the first couple of years can be disappointing, but often perseverance pays off. If its appearance really bothers you, perhaps you could try planting it in a less prominent position. Many clematis are happy to grow through shrubs and can be nurtured until well established and producing an abundance of flowers which will delight you. Good luck, Jane |
RE: Clematis problems
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| Might the slate chippings prevent the plant from getting enough water? Dry roots could be part of the problem. |
RE: Clematis problems
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| Clematis need to be kept well watered. I have never used slate chippings myself, so can't comment. Has anyone else had experience with them? |
RE: Clematis problems
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| i am baffled by the continued popularity of clematis armandii - frankly, it is a rampageous thug which looks sordid for 10 months of the year - and the promised scent is the merest whiff of a musty vanilla, WHY? |
RE: Clematis problems
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| I am growing my armandii as evergreen cover for a bare wall, together with parthenocissus henryana for autumn colour. Hope this works, just have to wait and see. I like trying unusual combinations. Anyone else tried this? |
RE: Clematis problems
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| The slate chippings I dont think are a problem, I havent used them before tho, i knew i had to cover the roots and as my patio and path is covered in slate chips i thought i'd use that. I dont think the watering is a problem either, they are watered regularly. I have cut back the Armandii but not a lot, I just cut off the dodgy looking bits and i'll see what happens. The bees jubilee I have done the same too, I will see what happens when i get back from my hols. I also went out and bought another one he he, its called "Ville de" something very dark pink. I agree to a degree Campanula, Armandii does look naff for quite a while but the flowers are very beautiful, mine didnt have much of a scent when it flowered and I was disappointed because that was the main reason I bought it. |
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