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Group 3 Clematis flowering too early

CraighBCraighB Posts: 758

Hi guys,

I have a group 3 clematis called Dark Eyes and I read that it is supposed to flower from July onwards. I have had a look at it today and it is already forming buds  I reckon it will be flowering in a couple of weeks time.

Why is it so early??

Thanks.

Craigh

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Warm weather early on?   Plants don't go by the date.  They respond to conditions which can be anything from daylight strength to daylight hours, heat, moisture....

    Enjoy.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • ladygardener2ladygardener2 Posts: 371

    Don't worry, this has happened to me in the past and now one of my group 3 has been in flower for over a week but it's fine, it has happened before and provided I dead head, it will continue right until autumn.

    Last edited: 16 May 2017 20:33:36

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Now you know just a little bit about the size of the task the exhibitors at Chelsea and other shows have to tackle every year when persuading their plants to look their best for one specific week in the year image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758

    Yea it must be a a huge task and a disappointing one if they don't play ball!

    And thanks Ladygardener, its good to know they will continue to flower until the Autumn!

    Will it continue to get taller? Because it is actually only half way up the support I provided for it and looks a little out of place at the minute.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Try feeding it.  You can get specialist slow release clematis food or you can use pelleted chicken manure or rose fertiliser.  Give a generous dollop every spring.

    For an instant tonic, try liquid tomato food which will encourage flowers.  As LG says, you'll need to deadhead to keep it flowering but if you like the fluffy seed heads, leave some to mature form aboot mid August.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • ladygardener2ladygardener2 Posts: 371

    I agree with Obelixx and feed mine every springtime and often give it a dilute feed through the summer. It should continue to grow up your support. What variety is it by the way?

  • Several of our Viticella Group clematis receive the ' Chelsea Chop ', just cut them back a couple of feet about now, this delays flowering by a few weeks.  Your Dark eyes will not grow very tall, only about 5 or 6 feet.

  • ladygardener2ladygardener2 Posts: 371

    Sorry, I realise now that you've already posted what variety it is. I'd just feed it and let it be.image

  • rubyellisrubyellis Posts: 1

    Thank you. I will risk cutting back to about a foot. 

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