• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Clematis-THUMB.jpg

Clematis

I am having trouble with one of my clematis.  It is six years old and both last year and this year it did not bloom.  This plant receives the same care as all my other clematis.

Too much shade, excess nitrogen and improper pruning can prevent clematis from blooming.  Evaluate the light conditions and look for any changes in the area.  A new structure may have been installed or a tree grown and is now casting shade on this plant.  You may need to move the plant to a sunnier location.  Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.   A low nitrogen slow release fertilizer will provide the plant with needed nutrients without interfering with flowering.  Have a soil test before using a blossom booster or other high phosphorous fertilizer.  Most garden soils have high to excessive levels of phosphorous and potassium.  Now evaluate your pruning techniques.   Early blooming clematis species and cultivars bloom on old wood.  These must be pruned after flowering.  The summer and fall bloomers can be pruned during the dormant season, preferably late winter. Double-check flowering time and pruning practices.   

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW