I would not think there would be a problem. Nice shot of the cardinal.

Actually, sunflower seed hulls are allelopathic and can inhibit plant growth - they are quite effective for keeping weeds down under bird feeders, for example. It doesn't look like they are bothering the clematis at all however, or you are using the hulled seeds.

Yep heard about the purported allelopathic effects of certain types of sunflower seed hulls but it hasn't affect my Durandii which is planted under a feeder that I keep sunflower seeds in. It may be the specific type of sunflower seed that we are using. I say if it ain't broke don't fix it. I agree with GG that it looks like it is doing great so don't sweat it.

Buyorsell - Thanks about cardinal

Gardengal
Nckvilledudes - no I'm not using hulled seeds
- I'll look up allelopathic.

And maybe next year I'll be able to identify which clematis
it is that I have. I didn't get many flowers yet.

Thanks for everyone's help.
Cdo

I've never noticed any inhibited growth under my feeders, but I had a thriving garden under a black walnut once too. :)