'Scratching My Head' Clematis

18 years ago

We moved to the north TX Panhandle almost 2 years ago. Since that time we have worked very hard getting a presentable yard...starting from nothing with a new home. We have planted about 15 Clematis last summer and this year. Last summer picked up 2 at Lowes that were labeled Fireworks and Carnaby. The one labeled Fireworks had a few white flowers this spring (obviously wrong label) and the other is the one that has me scratching my head!! Both grew very quickly and got over 6 feet tall in a few weeks, with probably 15-20 shoots. The other one (which is probably mislabeled also) has done nothing as far as buds or blooms. After quickly growing to the top of the trellis it has "flopped" over on itself and now has browning of the leaves underneath. Do I need patience or should there not be something happening with one that has grown this large, the first year? I have a Sweet Autumn also that is "eating" the entire trellis is on, but do not think "the Carnaby" is another SA.

Sorry I don't do pictures, but really nothing to see but a large clem that has NOT bloomed.

I so appreciate all the "wisdom" and information on this forum......Thanks to all of you. I look forward to learning something every day about the care and growing of clematis...my latest obsession.

Carolyn

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Comments (3)

jeanne_texas
18 years ago
Carolyn..it's very important to have patience when growing clematis for they take a good three years to get established..Your clematis are just babies and to see them get that tall in one season is quite amazing as they usually don't send up that many vines their first season unless they are "Polish Spirit"..LOL...you won't have many blooms until they mature...glad to hear you didn't suffer wilt with your babies as we know how small those plants are at Lowe's ..unless you bought the 3 gallon ones? Did you feed your Clematis some Rose or Tomato fertilizer?..You should if you didn't but do know you NEVER want to fertilize once your clematis starts to set flowerbuds as this will only rush the bloom period...All clematis are different..some varieties are more vigorous than others so you can't compare the one that is not as vigorous to the one that is...Jeanne
okflrgrl
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you Jeanne for taking the time to answer. I guess I just expected more, knowing full well that Clems do take a couple of years to mature. Had this Clem not grown so vigorously this spring, I probably would not have thought so much about it. Will wait patiently until next spring to see what happens then.

Thank you again. I always enjoy your wisdom and information.

Carolyn
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jeanne_texas
18 years ago
Carolyn ..you are welcome..but the season isn't over hon and they could very well surprise you with some blooms before winter...fertilize those little babies...Jeanne