Jeanne, wouldn't it be nice to have sandy soil. You won't believe this, but I dug the hole and poured a small amount of sand in the bottom and then put mulch around the base of the plant -- no raised beds, so I probably lucked out. You're right about the raised beds. That is definitely the trick to clay gardening. All your clematis are thriving, and the roses are beautiful, too. I gave up on the roses a few years back, but I just continue to try new plants, and this is my first experience with the clematis.
Carol
My Clematis are starting to BLOOM
Hi Carol: Welcome to the Vines & Climbers Forum! Which Clematis are you trying in your garden? We would love to see pictures of them!
Hi Shirley,
Do not know the name of it. Suppose to be a blue/purple in color, and I'm sure it must be one of the easiest to grow. I'm so proud of it! Don't laugh :) It's only about two foot long and has one bud, and so it should be opening soon. I will take a picture when it opens. They are really beautiful plants.
Carol
Carol...I think the trick to getting Clematis to thrive in our zones is of course planting them deeper helps but also..be vigilent about keeping them moist...and planting where they have a good 6 hours of morning sun...water water water...Jeanne
Jeanne,
Not enough sun may be the reason I only have one bud on the clematis. I'm wondering if most vines appreciate being planted deep. Years ago I planted a yellow honeysuckle, and it's still alive but has never made a real effort to grow. I remember not planting that deep at all.
Carol
No..clematis are the only plant I know that benefits from deep planting and that is to keep it moist and for the nodes to be underground to create more vines..How much sun are you getting?..Did you fertilize it in February with Rose Fertilizer or Tomato Fertilizer?..Never fertilize when it has set buds as it only rushes the bloom time...Jeanne