I used flat rocks/tiles "tented" over the bottom of the plant to keep the roots cool and lots and lots of blooms were the result. Warm head and cold feet!
I had one in place when we bought this house; and while it may have been in the sun when it was planted, it was now shaded. I moved it to full sun, and a rabbit promptly bit it off to the ground, so I figured it was done for! But it came back, bigger and better than ever, and the full sun did the trick--blooms like a champ! Be sure it gets lots and lots of sun.
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Request: Clematis Won't Bloom
Archived on 10/21/2008
A clematis that has been planted now for 6 years and grows incredible vines, still hasn't bloomed. Would appreciate you gardening expertise.
Donna Marie
Answers:
RE: Clematis Won't Bloom
Plant food usually works. Start feeding it Miracle-Gro at the start of spring. I have done this with other flowers, such as peonies, and it works! Sometimes the plant is not getting the nutrition that it needs. (03/13/2005)
There are several varieties of clematis.
I had a clematis for 18 yrs but it liked to be dormant for a few months in winter to get bigger and create more blossoms. I kept it slightly moist and put it in darkness(a closet) or just covered no light. Important keep soil loose. Use a fork to lossen any soil. Plants love it. Of course you need to feed it when you wake it up. Anything made by Scott's, which is miracle gro, ortho products, osmacote which is slow release and feed for several months is fine.
Good luck!
Dee (03/13/2005)
By DEE
RE: Clematis Won't Bloom
It may not be getting as much sun as it likes - they love cool roots but hot tops. You obviously are giving it cool roots since it's putting out good growth, so check the light factor. (03/13/2005)
Hi Donna,
No worries we will help you get that Clematis blooming.
First: Clematis like their roots moist, well fed, and luxuriating in soil in a near neutral PH.
As we are approaching Spring, I reccomend Clematis Chow: Mix in a wheelbarrow---5 gallons of well cured horse or cow manure, 1/2 cup lime, and 1/2 cup bonemeal. Spread this mixture over the root zone of your clematis first thing in the springtime. Then add a rich mulch or compost over the soil to keep it cool and moist. Happy blooms.
(03/13/2005)
I am not an expert gardener but you might want to pinch or cut back some growth so that some of the nutriants go into putting out flowers and not all leaves and vine. (03/19/2005)
1. Sunlight is important. There are only a few varieties of clematis that will bloom in the shade.
2. Are you sure you have a clematis? Sometimes a well meaning friend will share a sprout from their garden but will call it by the wrong name. (04/14/2005)
