Why do they look like this?

9 years ago

Second year for these and I couldn't wait to see them bloom. Huge disappointment! Not only are they a smaller flower than i wanted, but they look terrible. Is there anything I can do?

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

9 years ago

The second year in the ground is still very early for a clematis - they often don't fill in well or develop flowers according to type until firmly established, at last the third year, maybe longer :-)

As long as you are providing water and fertilizer or compost as necessary, I'd just suggest a bit more patience.

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Comments (6)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
Many folks use alfalfa meal/pellets on clematis as it encourages root growth. Be sure to get a form that doesn't have salt (some for animal feed do.)

As GG said, clematis take a bit of patience.
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aluvaboy
9 years ago
Clematis blue light is very tricky to grow in my experience. Even with great care, watering, fertilizing etc. they sometimes don't bloom as expected. I moved it from a mostly shady location to a more sunny spot and it has shown some improvement in blooming. If your plant is not getting enough sun light, I recommend moving it to a more sunny spot.
User
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you, everyone. This is a pretty sunny spot. It's actually diamantina. I'll try the alfalfa meal in the future. I was hoping they would improve over time. Hopefully next year they'll look better.
dbarron
9 years ago
You're almost lucky to have gotten so many flowers in the 2nd year...have patience for that next year and hope :)
User
9 years ago
Emily --- it's lovely.