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valadel

By Valadel

United Kingdom Gb

Clematis, President------- been in my garden a couple of years, never came to much. Growing in a sunny site against a wall and trellis, Would it improve if I cut it right back now?




Answers

 

Clematis need a cool root run possibly yours is getting too much sun?

14 Mar, 2010

 

Think you might be right there M G, thanks.

14 Mar, 2010

 

The President is an early and summer flowering clematis, usually giving large flowers on last year's growth, followed by smaller ones later on on new growth. If yours isn't performing well, it's worth cutting it down to 2 buds at the base and sacrificing the early flowers - you will get flowers later, and it will hopefully encourage the plant to put out strong, new growth. Cut it immediately, don't leave it any longer, and shade the roots, as Moongrower says, either by planting something in front to cast shade, or laying pebbles or something over the soil in front and around the base. Water during dry spells, rake in some Growmore at the base (or fish, blood and bone if you prefer)

14 Mar, 2010

 

Am on the case right now Bamboo while the sun is shining. Have some large pebbles which just might do the job ,thanks!

14 Mar, 2010

 

Watch out for snails hiding under the pebbles though. They adore Clematis shoots!

14 Mar, 2010

 

Be patient mine took longer than 2 years to really flower but it is well worth the wait.

14 Mar, 2010

 

Thank you Owdboggy and Drc just have to wait now and keep my eyes peeled !

14 Mar, 2010

 

bury the clematis a bit deeper than you normaly would and cover base of the plant with some gravel or pebbles this will help keep the roots cool. Burying it deeper will help the plant to recover if you happen to get clematis wilt.

14 Apr, 2010

 

I wouldnt replant it, but I would cover the base so its in shade let the top have the sun.

15 Apr, 2010

 

Thanks for that Grandad-------- are you feeling better now?
Drc have covered the base with pebbles and have got fingers crossed, and already it looks better .

15 Apr, 2010

 

I had the President in my previous garden, wonderful deep colour, I am sure it will be fine. I feed my clematis every 2 weeks but other than that I leave them alone as I found once I stop mothering them I got many more flowers.

15 Apr, 2010

 

Any particular feed Drc ?

15 Apr, 2010

 

I tend to top dress them with some compost about now and feed with something like 'Miracle-Gro Plant Food' They get fed every two weeks when I do the flower beds.

15 Apr, 2010

 

Gotcha ! thanks.

15 Apr, 2010

How do I say thanks?

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