Clematis

I have enclosed a picture of a fence in my garden, covered in clematis and honeysuckle. There are two honeysuckles (left and right) which over the last few years haven't amounted to much. The plant in the centre, the clematis has started to really take off. There is never much growth at the base as I am beginning to think I planted it on the wrong side of my garden. The base never gets any sunluight, hence all the growth at the top.

During the first three years I pruned it as instructed by the 'leaflet' that comes with the plant. Now established, I wanted to ask whether I should just be letting it do it's own thing, or should I still be cutting it back; if so, when? Ity is now showing signs of growth and flowers.

Thanks.

 

Can't help you, as I am a complete novice seeking my own help (including the possibility of growing my own clematis) but I would like to say how very pretty, what a lovely clematis!
Well done, hope someone can help you with the pruning and getting it going a bit more!

 

That looks like a Clematis Montana - your photo is presumably not how it looks now, but how it will look in a few weeks I suspect? Yes, Clematis do head for the sunshine and light and get a bit woody at the base. I've always been told that you only trim Montanas, once they are established...

I have one growing up through a tree, so that once it stops blooming, it's hidden until the next Spring.

But hopefully someone else will know and be able to advise better.

 

Your Clamatis looks par for the course to me - just lovely.
They like their roots in the shade and their head in the sun.
They always run to the top like that.
If you want something to fill in the bottom - plant something else.

 

It's doing a great job of covering the trellis and giving you some extra privacy.

 

Hi Markymark. Most Clematis are a bit woody at the base. I have planted 8 in the past 3 years
and they are mostly woody for the first ft to 2 ft. it seems to be the natural growth of the Clematis. Dont worry about the base not getting any sunlight, They do not like direct sunshine
on their base. The best idea is to get some old Slate and arrange it round the base of the Clematis to keep the roots moist, away from direct sunshine . An old Adage to remember when growing Clematis is Cool Feet, Warm Head.

 

I have tried to plant things at the base, but with no real joy. A local garden centre suggested azaleas which I am now trying. The trouble is, finding plants that literally DO NOT want any sun...as there is no sun AT ALL, EVER! lol

 

Thanks for that Elizabeth! I am actually very proud of my clematis. My dad helped me plant it when I moved in and now, seven yearsa on, it is doing really well. During the flowering period it looks amazing! My neaighbour (who I get on with really well) loves it as it is now crteeping over to her garden where mnost of the sun hits. It is wierd cos her side of the fence flowers before mine does...shjows what the sun can do! I am glad everyone likes my photo...will take another this year and repost!

 

Try some really impressive ferns or the larger hostas (keeping the slugs off them of course!).

 

If the plant in the centre has taken over both the left and right panels - then I think it has to be a montana. As the others have said, you don't prune montana.

I have what is now a large montana, and I find that although it has grown up to the top of the frame, it also produces long strands that hang down towards the ground. Consequently as it gets older it is also creeping downwards.

 

That's lovely! I've tried clematis before, but they've all died.

 

Your clematis does look beautiful in the photo. I just got a clematis plant (Madame Julia Correvon) waiting to be planted out fairly soon. Sussexgardener, you mentioned your clematis was growing up a tree. Is it with or without a trellis?

 

Without a trellis. I planted it two Springs ago, at the base of the tree and after tying it in a few times, have left it to it's own devices.

 

Viburnum Tunis will tolerate deep shade. Might be worth a look? http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/2066.shtml