Clematis help

There was a bloke on the radio the other day from one of the commercial clematis growers (sorry, can't remember which one - it might have been Taylors) who was asked if we should stop growing his plants now that we all have to be water conscious. Predictably, his answer was no. He maintained that clematis plants have deep roots and once they're established they should be able to tap their own water supply. I'm not sure I entirely believe him.

He did concede that newly-planted specimens might benefit from a pipe being sunk into the soil near the roots so that it could be used to aid watering. I tried this one. The pipe quickly became a des res for snails.

 

"Predictably he said no" :D

Turkey in not voting for Christmas SHOCKER! :D


As you say, Clematis are famously thirsty plants for a reason

Ive had haircuts that havent required as much attention.

 

Bev, a watering can-full is definately not a lot. These need much much more than that, if using watering can terms you'd need more like 8 or 10, use a hosepipe, lay it on the ground and let it stay there for 10 minutes - do this once ot twice a week.
If these clems are in pots that could be another reason for their failure ..... clematis roots are at least 12" deep and a lot of people plant them in pots which are not that deep and they will definately die - from drought aswell as lack of root-run.
Planting them in a pot that's 2' deep and the same wide is the best way to go.

 

I have 2 of my own that are a mass of brown crispy leaves and it's because they're too dry, at this point i leave them alone, water them copiously (which is closing the gate after the horse has bolted but there .....) under the ground their roots are still alive, just, and with luck they'll reappear next February.

 

Woah, OK then, loads of water in the future. I have had clematis at another property and I am amazed that they survived, they were hardly ever watered, but saying that, they were the good old tough Montana type.

I have just been out and given all my C. plants a good soaking. Hopefully they will recover in time. Fingers crossed.

Bev