Clematis

Hi everyone

I planted 3 clematis's into pots in mid April and they are doing really well, but i've noticed that 2 out of the 3, that the lower leafs have turned a deep darker green and feel quite dry. Pots have been watered reguarly and roots are covered with pea shingle is this normal?
Many thx smiley

 

Clematis is prey to a condition known as clematis wilt when all the leaves die back and the stems fail. If this is clem wilt, the only recourse is to cut the plant back to ground level and let it regenerate. This link the RHS is useful.

I trust you have planted it deep as recommened? At least 10"-12" inches deep so that the stems have enough underground to reshoot from in just such an occasion. However, I'd give it a few weeks to see how it does before you get too handy with the snippers!

[ 06. May 2006, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: michaelmasdaisy ]

 

Tips I was told in respect of clematis and clematis wilt:

1. They like a cool root run, so ensure the base of the plant is in shade

2. When planting, plant deeply i.e. above the first leaf.

Seems to work for me

 

Thank you both for your advise. I planted it around the first leaves which was around 6".
I read the link that michael gave me and it states that it starts at the top and works it way down, but mine has started at the bottom and worked its way up!!
Will give it a week or so and get snipping, will it grow back this year if i do this?
Many thx Sean

 

i ve found a clematis in a garden i work in, it is in deep shade and looks dead, should i replant [deep] or move to better area[it is a shady variety], or cut it to ground level?

 

Before people start getting paranoid about clematis wilt, it is actually fairly rare these days. It is more often slug or snail damage which causes the stems to die back. They do love to nibble the bark off at ground level. It is also their chewing which can let in wilt.
Mowgley, as clematis leaves mature they do go much darker green and leathery, that is normal. The biggest problem with growing them in pots as far as I can find out, seems to be keeping the pots cool.
Lady Gardener, Clemtais like their feet in the shade and heads in the sun. If that does not fit your situation, then I would beinclined to move it if possible (takes a lot of doing, they have a big root run) or take cuttings, or layer it, and plant elsewhere.