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Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom Gb

I do have one question: A fabulous ( on the packet!) double blue clematis planted last year - to replace one that had been prolific and then suddenly died - has never been happy. Small curled up leaves, hardly grew to climbing up and this year it doesn't look any happier.

What do you reckon? Shall I try moving it, is that the reason the other one gave up the ghost? The old one had lived, thrived and climbed up into the tree happily for over 7 years..........have I got a 'visitor' in that spot?

What are your thoughts please?




Answers

 

I would be concerned about the soil where the old clematis grew and looking to see what might have gone wrong a couple of years ago. Did something get spilled on the soil or, when you dig the soil do you find grubs in it, etc etc?

30 Apr, 2014

 

Yeah, thanks Bulbaholic............I'm beginning to think along the same lines myself.

OK, I'll dig my clematis up and plant her somewhere better then. Trouble is that after a year in the ground her roots will have spread quite a bit. I'll be careful.........

And I'll have a closer look at that soil too.

Such a great site and appreciate the help so much!

30 Apr, 2014

 

Have you been feeding the new plant?
I would think that you are past the point of transplanting for this year - it's almost certainly got new growth and you will lose this if you transplant.
I'd go down the route of feeding and building up the plant for a year and if it still isn't thriving move it when it's dormant into a prepared hole. Transplant 4-5 inches lower than it currently is as this will promote root growth. Prune back to about half its height and don't forget to feed it - a high phosphate (the P in NPK) fertiliser will encourage root growth - try liquid seaweed extract. You'll also want the K (potash) to promote flowering.

30 Apr, 2014

 

More good advice - thanks Urbanite!

Yes, I was concerned that it was too late to move it now. But there's been so little growth this year I may still be tempted.

I'll look again tonight and decide......and thx.

30 Apr, 2014

 

The best time to move is in spring just as the new growth is appearing. I moved a mature one recently (in the ground for 7 years) and so far so good. Advice is as been said, plant deeper too.

30 Apr, 2014

How do I say thanks?

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