Many people want to grow clematis in their gardens because it is such an attractive vine. The remarkable appearance of clematis plants is undisputed and the beauty of the flowers is often praised. Most people who choose to grow clematis in their gardens do so because they want to enjoy the flowers. So what should you do if you notice that your vine is constantly producing new shoots and leaves, but no buds or flowers? You should get your clematis to bloom! You're in luck because there are some common problems that can be easily fixed so you can encourage flowering.
When does clematis bloom?
Although the flowers of different clematis varieties bloom at different times of the year, they can be found everywhere from April to late fall. Most varieties only produce a single flower and have only a weak scent. Many clematis flowers change color throughout the season, especially those exposed to direct sunlight. After the flowers die, the plant retains its attractive seed heads well into winter.
Getting clematis to bloom – age plays a role
You should keep in mind that the age of your plant may play a role. If your clematis is young, be patient - it will take time for the plant to become established and form good roots. It may take a year or two for clematis to produce flowers, and it may take much longer for it to reach full maturity. On the other hand, a fairly old plant may have just reached the end of its lifespan.
As your clematis ages, it canproduce more flowers, because her roots are growing and she is becoming more and more capable of doing so.
Prune clematis correctly and enjoy lush flowers
One of the most common reasons a clematis vine doesn't bloom is because it hasn't been pruned properly. If you prune your plant towards the end of the year or early spring, there is a chance that you will cut off branches that have flower buds on them. Cutting off the flower buds of your clematis vine will prevent the plant from growing in the next growing seasonno flowersproduce more.
To prevent this from happening, you should prune the plant in the right way. To make this pruning easily, you should know the type of vine you have. There are species in which the flowers appear on the young shoots, while others form them on the older shoots. The answer to this question will tell you when it is okay to prune your plant without removing the flower buds.
Pay attention to the fertilizers
Inadequate nutrients are a possible cause of another common problem. If your clematis has the wrong nutrients orFertilizers are supplied, it can show vigorous growth, but will not produce flowers. If you see that your clematis is healthy but not producing flowers, you should assume this is the case.
If your clematis receives too much nitrogen, it may develop a lot of green leaves, but this will be at the expense of flower production. In this case, it may be beneficial to examine the soil and take corrective action if nitrogen levels in the soil are actually too high. It should be noted that conventional all-purpose fertilizers usually have too high a nitrogen content. During the growing season, it is ideal to use a slow release, low nitrogen organic fertilizer if you want yourClematis blooms.
Make clematis bloom - promote flowering with light
Clematis can also thrive in partial shade, but for optimal results the plants need at least six hours of sun or light shade per day. There is a possibility that development and flowering will be slowed down by the shade. A move to a more suitable location is then necessary.
This is an important guideline to keep in mind if you want healthy clematis vines. Protect your vine's roots if it is not doing well by planting some perennials around the base of the vine or placing a few wooden shingles around the trunk. If your plant has never bloomed well, you can check to see if a nearby shrub or tree is blocking the light. There are situations where you start the plant in a location with full sun exposure, but over time the trees nearby also develop and cast more shade. The vine may need to be cut short so it can get much-needed sun.
Some clematis will never bloom
When all other options have been exhausted, the only question that remains is whether some plants are simply ineffective. If a plant in your garden is otherwise healthy but is not producing the desired results even though youideal growing conditionscreated for them, you might decide to move them to a less prominent spot in the garden. If you received a growth guarantee when you purchased it, you can return the plant to the garden center.
Also read:Which fertilizer for clematis? Naturally healthy climbing plants
