The past few years my clematis has been suffering. It's a wonderful jackmanii that is covered with deep purple blooms in the spring. Its leaves were loosing their dark glossy green color. I did some research on-line and decided that it needed chelated iron. I found a source and gave it a dose and the leaves looked better the following year.
We repeated that scenario, but this time the plant began to look really sickly. I read further and found that there was something contagious going on. I decided that I was going to give it one more shot before planting something else in that spot. I cut the canes to the ground and disposed of them. I pretty much figured that would kill the plant off, but I was very surprised to see it growing this spring.
I started my day in the gardens by creating guidelines for the clematis, to help it up and over the arbor. I used hemp twine, anchored on either side of the plant, and wrapped around one of the upper horizontal bars. I used one more length of twine to keep the plant upright, until it grabs onto the vertical lines on its own.
I have high hopes for this plant. If it makes it, I'll post a picture when it blooms.
Comments (6)
Buffy, I don't know much about Clematis but believe that there's something called clematis wilt or something that can do nasty things to it. I know ther pundits recommend planting new plants very, very deep to help avoid it. However, as this has come back so brilliantly perhaps it's not that. I do know that the received wisdom is that the roots of all types of clematis should be kept covered, say by a stone or something. I can't suggest anything else, I'm sorry to say.
Posted by Adele | May 7, 2007 3:12 AM
Posted on May 7, 2007 03:12
Pictures! I love pictures, keep them coming.
Posted by janett | May 7, 2007 2:46 PM
Posted on May 7, 2007 14:46
Adele, if I HAVE to plant a new clematis here, I'll be sure to plant it deep. I should have written down my findings from the last time I surfed on this plant's problem. This time, I'll have pictures that I can take to the nursery so that I can ask for help, should the problem recur.
The plant is fairly heavily mulched. I can add more mulch, or even add a stone if you think it will help. I know that you're supposed to keep clematis roots cool, and not disturb them.
Posted by Buffy | May 7, 2007 11:41 PM
Posted on May 7, 2007 23:41
Janet, I'll give it a try. Now that the gardens are getting into blooming season, there should be more. I want to take a picture of my rugosa rose for Bogie. She's recommended cutting it back, and that would be a fitting blog entry during bloom season.
Posted by Buffy | May 7, 2007 11:43 PM
Posted on May 7, 2007 23:43
It doesn't bother clemetis to be cut to the ground. Mine die completely back every year and come back without any problems. I know clemetis like cool roots, but want full sun. If you have plenty of mulch that should protect the root enough (although you guys do get much hotter for longer than our area).
Posted by bogie | May 8, 2007 3:11 AM
Posted on May 8, 2007 03:11
Buffy, good luck with the clematis. As I said I'm not an expert at it (or indeed of any gardening) and can thionk of nothing else to suggest.
Oh, and I too love your pictures.
Posted by Adele | May 8, 2007 1:30 PM
Posted on May 8, 2007 13:30