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Clematis flowers curling backwards

mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 69
in Problem solving
I have a large flower variety clematis (eight lilac single petals, purple anther), which has flowered every year for the past four years, since I planted it.  This year, whilst it is covered in flower buds, as they are opening now (late May early June), instead of being a flat flower, the petal tips are curling back under the flower.  I have Googled this, but cannot find the cause.  The plant looks healthy (apart from the odd snail/insect nibble).

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,145
    Photo?   Take a clear photo of the plant with several flowers and thena close-up of one affected flower and then check the size - too big takes ages to download and there's an upper size limit anyway - then use the rectangular icon with mini sun and mountains above the reply box and post the photos.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 69
    Photos attached.  This year is the first year that I have fed it - not as many blooms last year.  Just clematis feed and did what it said on the box.  Could that have something to do with it?


    Top photo - a curled bloom; next - normal opening and one about to curl; next two - new blooms and foliage; next - normal and curling; last - normal bloom about to curl
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    I'm seeing a bit of distortion and patchy colouring to some of this years early flowering varieties and am putting it down to a combination of drought and unusually large variations in the temperature we've seen this year.  I've started watering some which have never needed any extra before and have fingers crossed.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,145
    I agree.  It's most likely stress related.  Make sure it doesn't get too thirsty in dry periods - give the plant a good soak at the base - 5 to 10 litres poured slowly so it can soak in rather than run off.  Repeat every week thru summer unless there's been a lot of rain.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 69
    Thank you both.  It has now started to rain where I am and we are due some more rain this coming week.  Will give it a good soak when it becomes dry again.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,145
    If it's been dry for a while I expect it would appreciate a deep drink now in case the rain doesn't penetrate very far.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 69
    Yes, will give it soak today.
  • cooperc1211Fco8_zUZcooperc1211Fco8_zUZ Posts: 1
    My clematis (which is the same color as yours, maybe they're related?) is doing this same strange curling. It's not too dry either. Did yours live? Is it still doing this? I couldn't find anyone else with this issue on Google. Thanks!
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