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Clematis Armandii poor growth

Lewis.warnockLewis.warnock Posts: 7
in Plants
I planted this clematis (and another) last September. I potted them in good quality material, covered the bases and gave them good drainage and watered frequently. One has really taken off after flowering in February and is now filling its trellis. However this plant only has good growth to the right hand side and the main central stem is black and there is no new growth from it despite it also flowering in February!! Should I cut back the section without growth to allow for new shoots from the plant which is obviously still alive, or should I be more patient?

i have circled the area with plenty of new growth from it!

Thanks,





Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,162
    Give it a good soak.  It looks thirsty.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,242
    I'd also move some of the gravel away from round the base. 

    When you say you potted them - do you mean they aren't in the ground, but are in pots that you've covered over?
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lewis.warnockLewis.warnock Posts: 7
    No sorry it is in the ground! The gravel was suppose to keep the roots cool but I can give it a try
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,162
    The cool roots thing is a myth.  They can cope with sun as long as they have enough to drink and yours does look like it needs a couple of buckets of water now and more regular watering till it perks up.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • Lewis.warnockLewis.warnock Posts: 7
    Excellent! I have been watering it as regularly as the one that is thriving but perhaps it just catches more of the rain in its spot!

    Thanks for the help guys!
  • jonathanmichell23jonathanmichell23 Posts: 57
    I’m attempting to train my young one too. It’s in the warmest and driest part of my garden and I’ve had to water it almost every day this last few weeks!


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,242
    Water is vital @jonathanmichell23, especially when it's up against a wall like that.
    The wall provides protection and warmth, but it also prevents enough water getting in where you need it. 

    In long dry spells, it would be worth putting a bit of perforated hosepipe along there to make watering easier, or putting an upturned bottle, or similar, down into the ground beside it, leaving just the top exposed. A terracotta pot full of gravel is a good alternative, and wouldn't spoil the look of your wall and climber.
    That means you can water directly into the roots lower down, rather than watering the general area. It also means roots go down further, and can seek out moisture more readily themselves   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jonathanmichell23jonathanmichell23 Posts: 57
    thanks @Fairygirl that’s really useful! I have a habit of buying plants based on their look, without doing any research into their size or care required - so I’m learning as I go! Will definitely try sinking a pot of gravel near the base :)
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