Encouraging climbing

1634 Racine

Hi All. I've recently planted Clematis 'Andromeda' (Group 2) and I'm trying to train it up a trellis.

Some molluscs have already had a nibble and it's starting to look a bit sad

It already has some flowers and buds. Do you think snipping these off would encourage more upward growth?

Fairygirl

What size was it when you planted it out? 
Young, small plants are a bit vulnerable to slugs/snails, so it's better to let them grow on and become bigger plants before getting them in the ground. They can fend off attacks more easily. 
They'll take a while to get established and make a lot of growth anyway. It can take several years for any clematis to be mature. Your growing conditions will have a bearing on that too.
I have a Miss Bateman [Group 2] and it was  a decent size when planted several years ago.  It's taken until this year to cover the supports well.

Mary370

I have no experience of that particular clematis, I do have C. Motana and I've noticed that the new growth really begins after it flowers.  By removing the flower buds I'm sure that would give the plant more energy, whether that would go into growing stems or roots, I'm not sure.

1634 Racine

It was a good metre tall when planted out but due to planting it out from the fence the top growth is now only about 30cm up the trellis. The plant looked pretty healthy too - it was from Taylors who say that all their plants are at least, 2 years old.

I might just try a couple of barriers to discourage the slugs. I had the same thinking as you @Mary370 about channelling energy into new growth. I'm going to give it a try.

Fairygirl

They can still take a while to get their roots established in their new home Racine. You also need to tie in along your support horizontally so that you eventually get good coverage. It'll come on a good bit more next year 
Mine was also a couple of years old and that sort of size. We have plenty of rain for them, and I'm always particular about prepping the hole I plant into etc. I think mine only had about 6 flowers on it the following spring after planting