Re: clematis

I have had no difficulty growing most large flowered
clematis here in North East Wisconsin (Zone 4/5) despite the
fact that I have extremely heavy clay soil. My first try was
with a couple of  "bargain" old timers (Earnest Markham)
which my wife bought from KMart. I planted them against the
west side of a  screen fence, after digging a hole about 18
inches in diameter. I mixed the very heavy clay soil with
some Sam's Best  potting mix purchased from Walmart. They
flourished the first year without special care and bloomed
abundantly and started off the second year the same way, but
after blooming they succumbed to "Clematis Wilt". So I tore
them out.

Then I bought small healthy plants from our local nursery,
including Jackmanii, Bees Jubilee, Nelly Moser, Niobe, Ville
de Lyon, Hagley Hybridl and Dr. Ruppel. I again made 18 inch
diameter holes, but this time I knew more, so instead of
planting them at the same depth as they were in their pots,
I planted them deeply with several nodes below soil level
(after stripping off the underground leafs). I followed the
same procedure of mixing the heavy clay soil with high
quality potting mix. I have had abundant growth and bloom,
and they jsut sit there and grow with little care other than
watering when there is insufficient rain. \I planted some in
the same locations as the ones which had died of wilt, but
took the precaution of replacing  the soil that was there as
well as spraying the locality with a fungicide. I have had
no problems since. They make a gorgeous ddisplay on the
fence every summer. I don't bother with shading the roots,
but I do apply a shredded bark mulch around the plants which
helps retain soil moisture. Of course the added potting soil
also helps retain moisture as well as provide a nice tilth
to the soil so the roots are happy.  Also, I prune some of
the vigorous plants (such as Jackmanii) down to a few buds.
These plants are strong growers and will cover the fence by
blooming time.

Hope everyone has the same success.

Bob
NE WI z4/5

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