Top of plant, flowering nicely.
Asked on Jun 25, 2019
How to keep clematis healthy?
by Barb Verbos
+4
This is the third year and my clematis is finally producing beautiful flowers. The base however, does not look good. Small, spindly and now yellowish. I only water at the base as I was told. Am I doing something wrong? It hardly seems like it will be able to support the plant!
Bottom of clematis plant. I have small rocks around the base, as I was told to do.
The bottom and roots of the clematis need to be shaded, otherwise your clematis will continue to look weak or die. Plant some marigolds, snapdragons, greenery or whatever you like about 4-5 inches in front of the clematis. The shade from these plants will protect the bottom of the clematis and the roots from too much sun and weather. After you have planted the plants to protect your clematis, it should start growing like crazy.
Good luck.
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/grow-clematis/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dENbCJZ65QA
I use day lilies for shade. Your plant looks like it is large enough to get the sun light above the lily and continue to grow and you don't have to replant every year. Plant lilies and your done. Be careful to allow growing room keeping the lily back away from the clematis.
You can also add some "yard art" around the base to provide additional shade while not robbing the clematis of nutrients.
I also put mulch around mine & cut them back every year. In the fall/winter, I cover them with leaves, when I see growth, clear the leaves, feed with Miracle Grow & add fresh mulch.