Looking for tips and advice

9 years ago

I have several clematis growing and they just don't look like the pictures I have seen. I get really heavy bloom, but not many vines. The oldest ones have been in the ground for 4 years. I live in South Ga. I have several on a chain link fence and some planted next trees (old mature pines) with fencing on them. How many years does it take to get the big size? Do you use certain fertilizers? I have googled myself to death, but most articles seem to apply to Northern gardens or the southern articles are to vague. I do cut back as suggested..Just want big beauties!

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NHBabs z4b-5a NH

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I'd also like to know the varieties you have. A former and much missed poster on this forum, Miguel (nckvilledudes) who lived in zone 7a NC found that early large flowered (type 2 prune) clematis struggled in southeastern heat and humidity, and my memory is that he found that Viticella hybrids did best for him.

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Comments (7)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
Can you post any photos? It would help if we could see the entire vine, including the base.
gagalzone8
Original Author
9 years ago
Sure...will get some at lunch! Thank you!
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gagalzone8
Original Author
9 years ago
Good to know! I have 2 large flowering and they actually do well, I just don't get the huge plant/vine that I see others have. I do have a couple that I believe are the vitecella hybrids and they grow well, run along the top of a fence, but again, not big full plants. Not many vines coming from the ground. I have been trying to find a picture. I just recently cut them. We had odd weather this spring, so several of my plants haven't done well..
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
When planted, did you plant them deeper than in the pot by several inches? This encourages more stems from below ground. Also, do you ever hard prune them to 2 or so pairs of buds per stem? This encourages more branching from near the base and may result in more stems from below ground. Also I have found that my older clematis have more stems, and there is a range between varieties. But as mentioned above, photos and variety names may get you more specific info.
buyorsell888
9 years ago
You must prune them and pinch them as they grow when young. Ditto planting deeper and for sure, it varies by variety....
gagalzone8
Original Author
9 years ago
I did plant them deeper than in the pot, but maybe not deep enough. I did prune, but I don't believe I pinched as I should have. Can I correct it by pruning next spring?