I am loving my Clematis this year! I have several little ones and after last year and the awful drought, I was concerned that they wouldn't survive, but they did and are happy and growing. ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) I love the colors, and am always on the prowl at plant stands for more. My fences will be covered ! The blue one is "Justa" Clematis Pink Champagne "Kakio" ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) Clematis "Asao" ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) Clematis Nelly Moser ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )
I love clematis too, Kay. I find though that they seem to take several years before they gather enough steam to make a real showing. Is that what you've found too?
I quite like Clematis. It was such a pleasure to see your spring-bloomers. How many do you actually have? I hope that you will post some more pics of what's going on in your garden.
I planted one last year and it's barely 1 foot tall now. I'm thinking it's not getting enough sun... or hoping that it'll take off by next year. I want beautiful blooms like yours!
Hi Sjoerd, At last count, there are 12 Clems residing in my gardens. One of my favorites is Comtesse de Buchard. She is swelling with buds, so I'm anxious to see them!
That sounds great, Kay. Do you have any sorts that bloom in July? I am looking for some that bloom in that month. I hope that those tornadoes are not coming near you guys.
The one that reliably blooms in the summer is Jackmanii. The very common purple one. Comtesse might still be bloomin then too. We are in that tornado season here. We have been quite fortunate this year, storms are missing us and are mostly to the south. You never know, so we always stay alert. We have had some great thundershowers and blessed rain!
Kay... do your Clems freeze back to ground level over the winter? I'm just curious, because I don't think I'm doing something right with mine. I planted it last year. It froze back put came back up this spring... but is still around 1 foot tall and doesn't seem to want to climb up the trellis. I think I put it in too shady of a spot. Do you think that could be my problem?
Cheryl, Clematis like sunny tops, and shady feet. Full sun is ideal. Then I mulch them well, and some have vinca vine growing at their base. All my Clems die back to the ground over winter. In the spring, most of them get cut back close to the ground. There are some that bloom on old wood, so I only prune out the dead stuff when they come out of dormancy.
Thanks Kay... I'm pretty sure now that mine is in the wrong spot. I have it under a Sassafras tree which allows some light to filter through... with a trellis leading out from under it into the sunshine. I guess my mistake was taking it too literal to put it's feet in the shade. We're about to go into 100F temps, so I'm thinking this is not a good time to move it? Do you think it will survive in that wrong spot until Fall or even Spring? Or should I go ahead and move it now?
Boy, that's a tough call. I didn't realize it was already getting so hot down there! I think if it were me, I would go ahead and move it. That way it would be getting the benefit of the sun to photosynthesize. Just put a thick layer of mulch on it, and of course, keep it watered. You can do it!
You have just given me the courage to go for it! In addition to the mulch... would it also be a good idea to put some annuals at the base? Or would they suck up too much needed nutrients?
I think it would be OK to give the Clem some companions. Well, I guess Summer is arriving. I hear our temps are going to get into the 80s and 90s this coming week. That's OK with me though because it has really been a chilly spring. I'm a summer girl. I like it hot Good luck with the transplanting!
