
Clematis Had Failed to Bloom
Why doesn't my clematis bloom? I was told to put potash around the plant, but this hasn't helped.
The old saying "Clematis like their face in the sun and feet in the shade" is true. Make sure your clematis is getting 6 to 8 hours of sun each day. Move plants growing in the shade to a sunnier location next spring. If shade isn't the problem, evaluate your fertilization practices. Avoid excess nitrogen that can promote leaf and stem growth and discourage flowering. Have your soil tested to see if additional phosphorous is needed. Many garden soils test high in this and potassium so adding more is not needed nor recomended. Clematis plants prefer alkaline soils (high pH). Those gardening in the acidic soils may need to add lime. Have your soil tested before applying lime. A soil test will also evaluate the blossom promoting phosphorous in the soil. It will indicate how much if any is needed. Follow soil test recommendations for healthier, flowering clematis.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More