male clematis?

[colinsvan]

i have a 'native' clematis, planted about a year ago. it has spread nicely but has not a single flower - wondering if i have a 'male' plant.. or should i restrict the roots, or give it another year, or take up another hobby all together?

[iQueen]

Not sure if clematis come in male/female varieties. However, they do need their roots in shade (other surrounding plants or gravel/pebbles etc) and the rest of the plant in sun. Check with local garden centre, or in a book in the library or a bookshop on your specific variety - it may take a year or two to become established. Also check what, and how often you are feeding it: apparently, plants get very lazy about flowering if they are too pampered, or you may be giving it the wrong sort of food.

[Newt]

Hi Colin, Don't take up another hobby. Clematis need about 2 or 3 years to establish a large root system to support all that top growth and flowers. Patience is required with vines. Take a look here for growing info. It would also help to know which one you have so you can prune it properly, if at all. http://www.rainyside.com/ornamentals/clematis_care.html Oh, and there is no such thing as a male or female clematis. Newt

[colinsvan]

thankyou for answer and info Newt - funnily enough - it has flowered... little off white sprays - and is very pretty. i think i was confusing clematis with courgettes (male/female thing) cheers

[Newt]

Hi Colin, You're very welcome! If your clematis is flowering now with small white flowers, I suspect it's sweet autumn clematis. They are often fragrant, especially in the evening. Newt