Monday, July 20, 2009

Magic Potions for Clematis Climbing Vines

Clematis flowers more profusely with a dose of phosphorous and potassium.

By noon, temps had climbed to 100 degrees and, with that, the goals of the Friday Afternoon [Hiking] Club rapidly shifted gears. The cool dark of an air-conditioned theater beckoned. Why go hiking when the Harry Potter movie is in town?

For those of you who have not seen the movie, no worries... Harry seems to be holding up just fine.

Which, in and of itself, is a miracle if you ask me.

Nurseries say 'part sun/shade' but every Clematis I've ever met has admitted she prefers more sun.

After all, he's just a dorky high school kid. Yet, every September, when he heads back to school, he encounters another wannabe dark lord.

That pressure would have had me scurrying to the school counselor lickety split. Harry just takes it all in stride ~ though, sooner or later, all that extra curricular activity would have to start messing with his grade point average.

And, what about that poor kid's future? As a meddling Mom I just have to ask.... Will he ever find time to prep for his SATs?

Hot sun on her flowers and cool, damp roots. Place flat rocks over her root area or plant her next to shrubs that shade the ground. She'll quickly weave her way up through the shrub in search of more sun.

A 5-10-10 organic fertilizer should have your little Clematis jumping for joy. 5 = nitrogen, 10 = phosphorous and 10 = potassium:

12 comments:

Chloe m said...

Hello!
I think I will be reading your blog a lot, as it pertains to my type of gardening. I love this blog you have created! I am following your blog and hope to learn a lot from you. I already learned something about Clematis and maybe I can get mine to bloom! It has only bloomed once in five years. Sad.
Rosey

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Well, thank you. That's very kind of you to say. :) Clematis loves western USA, alkaline soils (which is why we love them!) I'm not sure where you live. But, if you happen to see this response, please send me a note. kate.miller57@gmail.com. I'll bet we can get that girl to blossom. :)

Iron Needles said...

My clematis grew like crazy in Missouri, and I see others around town here, so I know they grow in Colorado. I have yet to get one growing in my yard. My honeysuckle is going great guns however....

PS I was all afraid you were going to spoil Harry P for me, then remembered I have read the book...twice...

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

My Honeysuckles are going nuts this year, too.

PS: I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never read any of Harry's stories.

Anonymous said...

Kate, when is the best time to move a clematis vine? We have one here that is in the wrong place.

I love your blog too! I'm always learning something new or getting ideas (that could be interpreted as trouble by my hubby!)

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Thanks, Jeannie! That made my day.

Spring or Fall are the best times though Clematis don't particularly like to be moved -- sort of depends upon the type of clematis, too.

How's that for a non answer?? :))

They often have a shallow root system (which is why we need to shade the roots and keep them cool) so it might be easier than you think to move...

JOHN SHORTLAND, Cotswold Hills, England. said...

Hi Kate!
What a great blog. Not only is it really interesting, it has made me start up a blog of my own. I just hope that mine will be even just a tiny bit as good as yours!

Keep up the good work.

Johnson, England

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Johnson! Thank you for the kind compliments though you're making me nervous. I can't compete with an English Gardener! You guys know everything. :)) Just kidding... Welcome to the blogosphere. I will check out your posts. - k

Lucy said...

I am so glad to have found this blog! I wanted to plant Clematis last year but when I went to the store to pick some up they looked very sad. But I am ready this year. My husband has cleaned up the backyard and I am ready to start...hmmmm...What do I do? What do I look for when selecting a plant? When is the best time to plant? Am I in over my head? I have managed to grow some beautiful roses...

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Lucy!
No, no, you are absolutely not over your head. Clematis are very easy to grow and flower profusely, most of the summer. I just love 'em!

Plant same time as your other perennials. Once in the ground a flat stone over the roots really helps. And, that's pretty much it. Easy, peasy.

Drop me a line if you've got other questions.

Chelsea said...

AAAHHH! So glad I found this. I've killed everything I've planted in the past 2 years! Not used to watering things being from the east coast.

Anonymous said...

Can you please recommend a Clematis (or other climbing vine) for 9000 ft altitude in the Colorado Rockies?

Thank you,
Jim