Watering Clematis

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by Kevin Cowans, May 21, 2020.

  1. Kevin Cowans

    Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    Messages:
    852
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Doncaster
    Ratings:
    +1,048
    Hello all

    I hope you are well.

    Could someone ( @ARMANDII ) please clarify the situation regarding the watering of Clematis?

    There seems to be conflicting advice around, some places say Clematis should be watered a few times a week, some say once a week and others advise not to water Clematis at all since it will force the plant to grow a deeper root system to look for water.

    What is the correct advice regarding the watering of Clematis?

    In particular I am referring to Clematis Montana 'Mayleen', Clematis 'Nelly Moser', Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' and Clematis 'Daniel Deronda'.

    Thanks in advance

    Kevin
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

      Joined:
      Jan 12, 2019
      Messages:
      48,096
      Gender:
      Male
      Ratings:
      +100,834
      Hi Kevin, I can understand you and everyone else wanting to know about Clematis care.

      Well, with regard to the above advice, Kevin, it is the wrong advice for Clematis as Clematis like their roots planted deep, kept fairly moist, but not soaked as they don't like standing for long periods in water. The above advice was touted on Gardeners World some years ago, Kevin, and meant for when Tree planting but, to be honest, I haven't seen it being mentioned for years.......and it is certainly not the correct advice for Clematis.

      When planting a Clematis plant it 3 or 4 inches deeper, if you can, than when it was in the pot, give it a good water and then place a stone(s) over it's root area to help keep it cool. You only need to water it once a week, Kevin, and once established the Clematis will grow away while being grateful for that weekly watering......it wouldn't harm it if you gave it an occasional feed of something like Tomato Feed during the period it's growing away.
       
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • Kevin Cowans

        Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

        Joined:
        May 12, 2018
        Messages:
        852
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Doncaster
        Ratings:
        +1,048
        Hello @ARMANDII

        Thanks for the reply.

        So, a weekly watering is what is required, thanks for that.

        My soil is a sandy loam so it drains quite freely so hopefully the Clematis would not be standing in water for any prolonged periods.

        With regards to the planting depth, I made sure that my Clematis were planted approximately four inches deeper than they were in their pots, so all good there :)

        Finally, something I never really understood about placing the stones over the roots of a Clematis to keep the roots cool, surely, the stones will heat up and radiate that heat into the soil faster than the sun just hitting the soil, am I wrong in that?

        Thanks for your help, I am learning bit by bit :)

        Kevin
         
      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

        Joined:
        Jan 12, 2019
        Messages:
        48,096
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +100,834
        The answer to that, Kevin, is Yes....and No:heehee: The stone actually will heat up as you say, but by absorbing that heat it shields the soil underneath and any heat transfer by the stone to the soil is minimal. Try it, put the stone on the watered soil and leave it for for a couple of hours in sunshine then lift the stone and put your fingers on the soil underneath and then on the soil next to it...........Physics say the soil underneath the soil will be cooler and the unprotected soil warmer:love30:
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Informative Informative x 1
        • Kevin Cowans

          Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

          Joined:
          May 12, 2018
          Messages:
          852
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Doncaster
          Ratings:
          +1,048
          Hello @ARMANDII

          Thanks for the information, it does make sense now.

          One thing I excel at is overthinking things, I am really good at that :)

          Thankfully, my Clematis are shadowed by other planting so keeping the roots cool should not be an issue.

          Thanks for all your help, it is appreciated.

          Kevin
           
          • Friendly Friendly x 1
          • ARMANDII

            ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

            Joined:
            Jan 12, 2019
            Messages:
            48,096
            Gender:
            Male
            Ratings:
            +100,834
            You're most welcome, Kevin.:love30::thumbsup:
             
          Loading...

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Dismiss Notice