Clematis looks dead

jennyhowell55

I planted a clematis alpina Constance last spring against an arch and it grew well. This spring it hasn’t yet come into leaf, though by now it should be flowering. There are buds but they look very dry as if it’s dying. Any idea what the problem is? I planted it deep and it seems attached to the root ball ok, though I’ve not dug it up to check the roots.

Fairygirl

They're generally very easy @jennyhowell55 . How and where is it growing? Was it a mature plant, and what care has it had since you planted it? 
They prefer a slightly drier site compared with the large flowering types, but, as with all plants, they need well watered until established. 
I've just noticed you said you planted it deep. They don't like that. It's only the larger flowered Group 2s and 3s that you do that with.

jennyhowell55

It was a 1 litre pot when I bought it, kept fed and watered all summer and I’ve kept the roots shaded. I didn’t prune it back.  As you can see, it looks very unhappy

BlueSchoolBoy

Are those pebbles/stones placed over the root?  Could there be slugs underneath eating the plant?

Fairygirl

If it was only in a 1 litre pot, it's a very young plant. I'd take all those rocks away too. They're not helping. 
They really don't need food, apart from when first planted. Mine has never been fed since the day it was planted, about 7 or 8 years ago. They prefer a poorer site - mine is in a tiny raised bed with virtually no room, but the roots can get down into the ground below. 
It would benefit from being cut back, so that it can produce more shoots. If it's been planted very deep, that won't help it though. 

jennyhowell55

Thanks for your comments. I had a dig around at the base of the plant and unfortunately found that the stem had rotted. Must have over watered it I guess.I have cut I right back in the hope it will send up new shoots

mikeymustard

If the stem has rotted it might be overwatering or planting too deep, but it's just as likely to be mechanical damage from slugs, birds, pets etc. 
Such a shame as it looks like it put on some good growth last year 🙄

punkdoc

As @Fairygirl says the Alpinas tend to do better in drier conditions.

Fairygirl

I think that's the combination of too deep, and too wet. The slugs never touch my alpinas and macropetalas - only the bigger flowered types, and we have loads of slugs. The new growth comes from the existing framework, rather than lots of new shoots from below ground, so they're less vulnerable anyway. The big snails we have here used to hide in between the trellis mine is on, and the fence behind  
If you get another one, don't plant it deeper than it is in the pot, and if it's a small one, it's worth growing it on for a good 6 to 12 months before planting out. That will ensure it's a good, healthy plant before going in the ground.