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Best support for growing clematis to cover wooden fence

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  • Cherry3Cherry3 Posts: 35

    We have chalky, well drained  soil; they were planted last year about 2 inches deeper than the pots they were in. We had a few leaves this year but not much else. very upset!!!!

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,358

    You might need a bit more nourishment in the soil Cherry. Clematis, in particular, like lots of food and water and if there are other plants there's a bit of competition for nutrients etc. A nice rich soil but good drainage is best for them. image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Cherry3Cherry3 Posts: 35

    Thanks Fairygirl---really appreciate how much support & advice one can get in these forums---long may it continue!

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,857

    Cherry, it sounds to me as though they're starving and thirsty.    Work as much well rotted manure and compost as you can into the bed without disturbing their roots then give the plants a 4" mulch of it you can.   The worms will work that in for you.

    Next spring, give the clematis a generous handful of proper clematis food and a liquid tonic of rose or tomato food.   The honeysuckle should be OK with just the mulching.  Don't be discouraged.  Clematis can take a year or two to settle their roots in before they start performing above ground.  They also have different pruning regimes depending on variety.  What is yours?

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • I have only started getting interested doing gardening etc and getting tips etc or advice I think this site is an excellent idea!!.

    my dilemma is this:: i have horizontal fencing quite higher. I have never grown clamatis becore from little shoots ?.

    i have watered them every 2 weeks I feed them but my dilemma is this ?? I have bought green plastic netting, very thin like string then I have bought a thicker plastic webbing especially for clamatis growth but please can someone tell me how I attach it to my straight fencing without damaging it?? I have bought little silver arch shape tie but I'm scared of hammering it in and splitting my fence??

    Sorry it's gone on to long!!

    kind Regards

    Carole 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,358

    I don't think netting suitable for clematis - they get heavy and need a decent support to climb on. Not sure what you mean by 'thicker plastic webbing', but if it's specifically sold for clematis, it must be ok. I've never had a problem putting metal staples into wood ( I assume that's what you're referring to?) but if you hammer the points and blunt them a little, that helps prevent splitting. 

    Personally, I'd use vines eyes screwed into the fence at regular intervals horizontally and vertically, and  attach plastic coated wire securely to them so that you have horizontals about a foot to fifteen inches apart from the bottom to the top.  It allows a space behind the plant for air flow. That's what I normally do with any climber if it's on a fence. image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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