Clematis armandii

[samuelcat1]

I bought one of these 2 years ago. At first it was in the ground but didn't do anything. I transplanted to a large pot and it did manage to throw out a few new leaves but isn't any bigger than when I bought it. Am I doing some thing wrong?

[sense4all]

http://www.howellsonclematis.co.uk/Pages/Care. html

lots of good care advice esp about pruning all types have a peruse. I have one which flourishes on a south facing site. Some times they take a while to establish then they are off. I have to admit mine is pretty hardy. I have lost maybe two out of twenty clematis when they were planted.

[toby99]

Make sure it is in good compost, fertile and plenty of drainage, like to be in sunny west or south facing. Sheltered from the cold and don't like windy positions. Feed with a good plant like baby bio.

[samuelcat1]

Thanks for that. I'll give it some TLC after the winter

[Bromsgrove]

I would agree with the other answers. There's an old saying about clematis plants- "they like their leaves in the sun and their roots in the cool". If you feel yours is getting too hot ,place a stone over the root, and keep it well watered. As a rule they are a vigorous plant and tend to do better in the soil once you've got it going. I give mine a potash feed at the end of spring and again at the end of Sept. to encourage flowering, for growth use a general fertilizer.

[samuelcat1]

I did read somewhere that they like clay soil- which we have. I think I have a spot it will like so I'll give it a go.

[sense4all]

Yeah we live in a heavy clay, blue clay area, so that is probably true. We have dug in bark etc to loosen the soil- to improve the drainage.

[Palustris]

The advice to place a stone over the roots is not good. Clematis worst enemies are slugs and snails and the stone provides a perfect home for them. Better to mulch with compost or bark.
C. armandii is far too vigourous for a pot. Get it planted. Ours flowers at the top of a 20 foot tall hedge.

[shylock73]

I go along with palustris`s answer on don`t forget , Clematis must be planted at least 2inches lower than they were originally