More pictures. Sorry I can't figure out how to post more than one at a time.

Full view

This is a nutrient deficiency. Not a big deal but an indication that these containerized plants are not getting what they need. Using a dilute liquid fertilizer once a week until you get them in the ground would be helpful.

It is also not at all unusual for nursery-size clems not to bloom while still in the container. They can of course but no guarantees :-) They will be happiest once planted in the ground in a well-prepared and enriched planting hole.

Thank you so much! I'm glad it's not something awful! What sort of fertilizer would you recommend?

Thank you so much! I'm glad it's not something awful! What sort of fertilizer would you recommend?

You really won't need a fertilizer if you amend the planting hole with a good amount of compost. If you don't have any homemade compost, use composted cow manure that you get at garden centers. Dig a hole twice as big at the pot and twice as deep. Mix the backfill soil with the amendment. Plant the clematis about 2 inches lower in your soil than it is in the pot.

Do you know the pH of your soil? If not a test might be in order.

Steve

If left in the container for any length of time, a fertilizer is definitely necessary. My preference would be for a Dyna-Gro product as they tend to have a full compliment of trace elements but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it. For short term application, Miracle Gro or fish emulsion works just fine. Won't hurt to go for the bloom boosting formulation either just in case the vine is inclined to bud up ;-))

Thanks so much everyone! I appreciate all the help!