Dying Clematis Armandii

Howard40

Hello. I planted 3 Clematis Armandii 'Apple Blossom' last year.
They now all look much like this sad specimen.
Can anyone offer diagnosis and/or helpful suggestions ?
Thanks.

Lizzie27

 @Howard40, that does look sad.  At a guess, I think it's planted too near the fence and it's either been caught by a very cold wind or it's short of water.

I would cut it down by half, take off the brown leaves and give it a very good watering. I doubt I'm afraid it will survive but you could try. Clematis need 2 gallons of water at least twice a week and lots of feeding.

You may not have realised they are monster clematis and also have a reputation for being slightly tender and tricky to grow. I've had one on my back garden hedge for over ten years with only a few flowers each year on it (mainly on the north side facing the neighbours!). Last year I had to cut it severely back but this year it's gone bananas and is waving at me over the top of the shed.

Howard40

Thanks for the ideas. Would it be worth moving it away from the fence - its only been in a year?

Lizzie27

I wouldn't at the moment, it would probably kill it altogether. I would wait for signs of life first after watering it, which could take perhaps a week or two. Hopefully others might have more ideas. Climbers especially need to be planted at least 2 ft away from a fence or wall and planted at an angle towards it. Clematis need to be planted quite deep in well manured soil, they are very greedy plants. If its any consolation I am struggling to keep a clematis 'Prince Charles' alive, despite my best endeavours!

Howard40

Ok, many thanks Lizzie