Allotments 4 All

My poor little clematis armandii is looking so unhappy. I planted it in the autumn in a raised bed which had a very rich soil, and initially it set off with great gusto. We had plenty of shoots, and a good number of flowers for such a young plant. It is still putting out shoots, but the mature leaves are going a bit yellowy and the new growth is sort of freckly and sad looking. The other plants in the bed (two climbing roses and a number of nasturtiums) are absolutely fine. What's wrong?! I've had clematis armandii in every garden, and have never had even the slightest problem with it...

Dunno......... I've got one and once it got established it was manic...   :-\

How acid is your soil?  C.armandii, like other clematis, prefer more alkaline soils.  The only one I've ever really succeeded with on my acid Plymouth loam is C. balearic 'Freckles'.  They also like a cool root run - perhaps it's too hot for it.

On Gardener's Question Time today, they suggested putting tiles around the foot of a clematis, to shade the ground over its roots. I would add that the lighter the colour, the better, or they'll get hot in the sun and act like oven bricks, the opposite of what you want!

(Or, you could move it to somewhere cooler...)

I grow a fern at the base of mine, she loves her head in the sun but roots in the shade. her feet is in ordanary garden soil older leaves will die off. No idea about your new leaves unless you feed your roses or sprayed them with something?

There is a runner bean trench right in front of the clematis, full of food peelings etc. Would that make any difference? I have to admit I haven't shaded the roots yet...was waiting for the veggies to do that. But I think more drastic action is needed, so will take your advice about the tiles and protect the poor plant before anything awful happens!

Other than that, the bed has well-rotted manure in it and soil...and I'm organic so haven't put any nasties on there:s And for once I don't think I can blame the evil kitten who likes to dig everything up!

Thanks for your help, you guys are always so kind and knowledgeable!

The runner bean trench if rotting down does get hot may be too warm for the clematis's roots? just a idea, I use the fern to shade in summer and in winter it feeds the clematis it rots down organic or cheap but thats me. ha ha.
you could try watering it every other evening see if that makes a difference to new leaves?

Hello and welcome to A4a,

I have just planted an Armandii and it too is looking quite sad with yellowing leaves.  The new growth is looking ok so I am hoping this is just a settling in period and it will take off soon.  I bought it because it is supposed to be a bit of a thug and that is what I need in this particular spot.  I was quite pleased to read your posting and see it is not just mine!

Let's hope they pick up! ;)

T.