West Sussex,
United Kingdom 
I have put in a metal arch and planted rose Wollerton Old Hall and clematis Prince Charles on one side and another unnamed clematis on the other. I chose the rose as it is almost thornless and is highly scented. It has been in 3 years now and has not done well, producing only 3 blooms this year which are like balls of petals that drop after a few days. I have fed and mulched it and wonder whether it is worth keeping. The clematis plants flowered well over the top of the arch but none up the sides. I'm feeling very disappointed! Any ideas please?
26 Jun, 2025
Answers
Thank you Owdboggy. I will heed your advice about the clematis.
26 Jun, 2025
I have the same arch here with a rose and clematis growing...cutting down in February is the trick.
27 Jun, 2025
A trick Christopher Lloyd used was to plant 2 of the same Clematis together. One he cut down in February and the other he left. That way he got flowers both low down and higher up. Never tried it myself though.
28 Jun, 2025
Thank you Meadowland and Owdboggy. Will cut down in Feb. and plant another one to leave. Sounds like a good idea!
What rose are you growing ML? I'm very disappointed in mine.
28 Jun, 2025
The rose is Warm Welcome...a bright orange colour with small flowers...a really good doer each year.
29 Jun, 2025
No idea about the Rose, I hate them so don't grow them. The Clematis Prince Charles should be cut down to about 18 inches tall in February. It flowers on new growth which is possibly why the flowers are all at the top. If the other Clematis is also flowering now on the top growth then it too needs cutting back in February.
26 Jun, 2025