On March 7th, I posted an entry about Clematis and how fast they shoot up in the spring. On March 7th, Clematis 'Wisley' was about halfway up its support. Here's today's picture of Clematis 'Wisley'--all the way up. Now the growing tips will either climb up the Dodonaea viscosa purpurea in the background, or cascade down the other side of the tower.
I have a few other what I call "failed" Clematis. These seem, perhaps, to dislike the lack of winter chill here. So they stay quite short, bloom very early, and then sulk until it's once again time to go dormant. But I love the blooms, few though they are, and you never know--the reluctant growers may someday decide they like mild winters after all.
'Ernest Markham', all two lovely feet of you, won't you please decide to like mild winters?
'Nelly Moser', won't you please decide you like mild winters?
Have they failed me, or have I failed them?
Oh dear. That's my experience with clems, too. Even Venosa Violacea which is supposed to be a piece of cake here.
ReplyDeleteVenosa V. happens to be one that works here. The viticellas and Jackmanii do the best. It's the type IIs that have the hardest time.
ReplyDeleteFor your VV, when it first wakes up in spring, try hitting it once every 5 days with fish emulsion at half strength for several weeks, and make sure it has plenty of water. I read that when they produce that big rush of growth as they wake up, they need a lot of fertilizer. This has helped mine to get larger.
Hope that helps!
Ah. Thanks for the clue. I'm finding a few roses (and other plants) that are hungrier than my usual once-a-year feed -- like Reine des Violettes.
ReplyDelete