| My vines, 2 colors of clematis, are not growing fast at all. In fact, after 4 years they are still scraggly, and only 4-5 flowers. I want full and overgrowing and beautiful. What am I doing wrong? |
| There are both deciduous and evergreen types of clematis. Named varieties of hybrid clematis bloom in 2 different ways: some bloom on wood grown the previous year and some on wood grown in the same year. Clematis in the Jackman group of hybrids (such as jackmanii) bloom on new growth (wood grown in the same year). You'll have to watch where the blossoms occur to determine if they are on new or old wood. You can prune the Jackman clematis in spring as the buds swell or slightly before. You can prune to within 4-6" of the base if you wish. If the clematis flowers on old wood, prune dead and broken growth in the spring. After flowering, a portion of old shoots should be cut back severely. Clematis enjoy a rich, humusy soil. Give them lots of organic matter such as compost or composted manure. Clematis prefer to have their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade, so mulch is helpful to keep roots cool and to keep competing weeds at bay. Once you decide which type you have, you can prune it back at the proper time and that should encourage healthy new growth. Good luck with your clematis. |
