Try putting a tablespoon of Epsom Salts in a Gallon of water..mix well apply around your clematis...Jeanne

What part of the plant turns yellow? If it is lower leaves, it might be either nitrogen or sulfur deficiency. Jeanne's method would help to replenish sulfur in the soil. If the new growth shows yellowing (between green veins), it is an iron chlorosis. Other deficiencies are possible, but rarer. For the faster effect, I use diluted solution of Iron Plus for spraying my chlorotic plants. Seems to act faster than just applying the iron salts directly to the ground. I spray at night to avoid sun burns.

Use of epsom salts replenishes magnesium to the soil and may add some sulfur since epsom salts are magnesium sulfate but typically epsom salts are used to add magnesium to the soil. Another option is Ironite which helps supply iron to the soil at any pH level.

There is another factor about Epsom Salts that isn't usually mentioned..I use it in my Alfalfa Tea as well because it improves the phosphorus and nitrogen uptake for the plant..which is a big plus...Jeanne

OK, Jeanne and Miguel, I did the epsom salt bit around some of my clems. I was thinking it was too hot, but I watered them well, and then did the Epsom salts bit. They are now burning, with some brown on the leaves. The other thing I notice is no veining in the leaves at all, they're just plain light green I'm thinking iron deficency, but don't know if I should put on iron now. I do have some that I got for roses that works really well, and quickly. By the way, the worst of the clems is Jackmanii Superba and John Warren.

Interesting Jeanne. Where did you learn that tidbit of info? Inquiring minds want to know.

Epsom salts/"SALTS" can and will burn a plant. Find out what the ph of the soil is, FIRST. Then go from there.

Never burned a plant that I have used them on and never will if you don't over do it. In fact, I don't know if it ever will. I have dumped quite a bit of solid epsom salts in a pot that I had a brug planted in and let it get watered in over time as I watered. The plant was never harmed by doing so.

Gianty..now you are just becoming ridiculous..NEVER EVER have I had a clematis burn from Epsom Salts!!I don't always dilute it in water..I often take a handful and shake it around my clematis and water in..so take that!!..LOL...Flowergirl..I haven't the foggiest idea why your clematis could have burnt leaves unless it's hotter than heck there? and tons of sun?..My leaves always start browning on the tips during summer..My clematis "Ramona" is doing that now..just keep it watered well...

I am with Jeanne. I think if you are experiencing anything like we are here in NC that some of the leaves are just going to burn due to lack of water. I have several that have burned leaves along with green leaves and none of the affected ones have had epsom salts added to them. I imagine we are up to the whims of mother nature once again this year.

Yep without testing we are all just guessing. I'd say don't offer a cure nckvilledudes/ jeanne_texas untill the cause can be scientifically determined. IMHO!! What's the ph of the soil?

IGNORE!!!!

IGNORE WHAT? The Facts? The Cause? Do ya have anymore good guesses? I didn't think so!

Well shoot, I didn't mean to start world war 3. It is hot here, hot and dry, with wind. I do water, my husband says too much when he gets the water bill. When I have time, I'm going to try a little iron. Too many things going on here the past week, and when I did have time to work out it was blowing a gale. I don't want to complain too much about the weather tho, as we have escaped hail and tornadoes here, while they are going on all around us. I am grateful for all the info I get from you all. You are like friends to me. I only have one good gardening buddy left here, so this forum is important to me. I especially love the pictures.

You got my curiosity up about using Epsom salts.

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fertilizeepsomsalts.

Had the soil tested and within range (6.8) of 5.5 to 7.0, but treating with the iron (every 6 wks) and epsom salts. Plant is blooming fine now but yellowing still there and seems no improvement. Will wait to improve soil until after blooming so I can dig around at base. Henryi is ok and is just 2' away from base of the "Jack-man".

How often can I use the 1 gal of Water to 1 TBLSP Epsom Salts or how much to use at one time...a gallon? Quantities I should be using would be helpful. Thanks to all who have tried to help.

ALSO POSSIBLE.....the Weed N Feed in spring by hubby last 2 yrs is the problem...plan to lay blue tarps next year when he gets going with the broadcast spreader!!!!and then we can again compare.

Ginny

Ginny..weed and feed is HORRIBLE stuff..seen it do just what you are saying..except KILLED everything it touched unless one gets out there and waters like heck to dilute that stuff...Jeanne

Iron Chlorosis is very distinctive. The NEW growth is yellow with the veins dark green.

2-4D, the chemical in Weed N'Feed can and does damage garden plants. It tends to drift, if the Clems are downhill even slightly or just next to the lawn it is very possible this is your problem.

Some food for thought:

On August 8, 2007, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a ruling which stated existing data do not support a conclusion that links human cancer to 2,4-D exposure.[3] However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified 2,4-D among the phenoxy acid herbicides MCPA and 2,4,5-T as a class 2B carcinogen - possibly carcinogenic to humans. [4]

2,4-D has been evaluated by the European Union and included on its list of approved pesticides.[9] Concern over 2,4-D is such that it is currently not approved for use on lawns and gardens in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Kuwait and the Canadian province of Québec. 2,4-D use is severely restricted in the country of Belize. In 2005, the United States Environmental Protection Agency approved the continued use of 2,4-D.[10] In Canada, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has placed a condition of registration on 2,4-D such that the 2,4-D registrant(s) must provide the PMRA with a required developmental neurotoxicity study by September 20, 2009.[11]

Do you have a well? This report about 2,4-D in drinking water: Short-term: EPA has found 2,4-D to potentially cause the following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: nervous system damage.

Long-term: 2,4-D has the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.

There are concerns that 2,4-D causes cancer in dogs but the government says it doesn't. I'm not sure I trust them so I don't use it. Ever.

My DH uses a propane torch to fry dandelions in our lawn. We also put down corn gluten last fall and there have only been a few dandelions this year.

Buyorsell gave you some valuable info.
I'd add that foliar feeding with diluted Ironite acts much faster for curing iron chlorosis than adding iron to the soil. I usually see the effect within a week.

OH NO, WEED and FEED! If that's the problem you can only wait it out the damage has been done. It will either die or limp along untill next years growth takes off. Usually the weed and feed stuff has to make good contact with the leafs in order to work well? Weed and feed is good stuff on the lawn and it took some guts to admit you use it. Expecially with this group of organic growers. Good luck!