I think you should complain to the stockist!

Just a couple of questions, though...was it in an exposed position? It might have caught a chilly wind...Was there a frost in your area? It wouldn't like that either.

Did you notice any 'nasties' in the rootball - like vine weevil? I assume you watered it well?

A new Clematis shouldn't mind being planted out if the conditions were all OK, Limey.

There was no frost. This might sound weird but the instructions said to water the root ball well but there wasn't one. There was a bit of root but no ball like I was expecting. Do you think it will come back or do you think I was ripped off. I paid £15 for it. Thanks for replying Spritzhenry :--)

Sue

I'm wondering how you removed it from the pot, as it *should* have had a rootball, even if it was a loose one. To remove a plant from a pot, you turn it upside down, give it a gentle squeeze and then give it a tap on teh edge of the pot and the rootball should pop out of hte pot and into your waiting hand. If instead you tried to pull and plant out by the stems, you might have separated it from its roots.

If it wasn't rooted properly, and you got it out of its pot successfully and correctly, then you'll have to complain - take the whole thing back, pot and all, and of course the receipt. That's a lot of money to pay out!

Thanks for replying Sid but I did remove it from the pot like you describe. Spritzhenry you must be right in saying it wasn't rooted properly. Unfortunately I don't have the receipt. If it wasn't rooted properly (which I think happened) is it a lost cause or is there anything I can do. Thanks guys :-)

Sue

I agree with Spritz....and I'm sure you can get one of these for less than £15 if you shop about a bit.....this wasn't a B&Q plant again was it?

Posted same time ;-)

No, it wasn't from B&Q. Are they known for dodgy plants? I should have shopped around. My fault for being too impulsive lol. Thanks again Sid. Sorry to harp on about it but is it a lost cause?

Sue

In a word, Yes! B&Q plants tend to be pricey and they don't get looked after very well.

Dont worry - impulsivness is a problem many of us gardeners are prone to!!

Hard to say whether it's a lost cause without seeing it. Presumably there were *some* roots attached, so I think it will be ok - just make sure it gets watered deeply and often. And provide the root area with shade.

Thanks Sid. I will take your advice and cross my fingers. Yes, there were "some" roots (although not many). I bought some houseplants from B&Q. They are doing fine. Maybe I'd better keep my fingers crossed for them too lol. Thanks again, both of you :-)

Sue (loving gardening but still learning)

Sorry to bother you again but should I feed it and, if so, with what?

Sue

Personally, if I'd just planted a clematis, I'd have enrished the soil with some bone meal and chicken manure pellats (garden compost or rotted manure would do the same job). If you did this then no feeding would be required. If you didn't, don't worry. I wouldn't feed it yet - I'd wait for a healthy root system to establish first, otherwise the very new fine roots could be burnt by any fertiliser you use, so that would be a setback.

ps B&Q seem to be better with houseplants - I've had a nice orchid from there...albeit it was swimming in water, which is lethal for orchids, and was half price because the others in the same batch were alreay dieing!!

I'd still take it back, pot and all - and ask for a refund! Or - take a photo of the rootball...but I suppose you've planted it and may not want to uproot it. I would though! That was a rip-off. :-((((

Yep, I agree I was probably ripped off. All the flowers have fell off now. I could cry when I look at it. All I can do is hope it comes back. Thanks guys :-)

Sue

I doubt it very much, Limey........I'm sorry, but if the rootball was as small as you say, it hasn't got much chance. :-((

How maddening. Thanks Spritzhenry :-(

Sue

I'm really sorry you've had this nasty experience with a lovely Clematis....:-(((

It was beautiful and it's fragrance was heavenly. Guess I just have to chalk it up to experience. I have a Montana Clematis that was already here when I moved in. It's gorgeous. I will post a pic if I ever figure out how to do it :-)

Sue

Do you need help? It isn't hard, honestly!

I'll let you know. I need to get the wires or something to put them on the computer then I might need you lol. I just saw pics of your garden. It's beautiful. Ttyl.

Sue

Thanks, Sue. That's kind of you!

Please just ask once you've got the loading bit (to your PC) sorted! You can always send me a Private Message.

I just re-read this thread and thought I'd update on my clematis situation. It is green and growing so hopefully it will flower. Fingers crossed. Thanks again everyone who replied :-)

Sue

That's good news. :-)

Thanks Spritzhenry. Hope you are well :-)

Sue

Cool :-)

Thanks Sid :-)

Sue