|
| |
CLEMATIS CLARIFICATION
 |
I am considering putting a clematis plant in a bed which now has an empty trellis. I have never grown one before and have no idea which variety I should choose. Is there one type which grows better in Arkansas than others? Once it is established, how do I care for it? When does it need pruning? How much fertilizer? I have been under the impression that they require quite a bit of care. |
 |
As long as the soil is not heavy and drainage is good, I find clematis easy to grow. There are hundreds of varieties from which to choose, and most perform well. What season do you want blooms? Some bloom only in the spring or fall, while others bloom all summer. An evergreen form called Armand clematis (Clematis Armandii) that blooms in late summer winter. Probably the most popular group is the Jackmanii group, which blooms all summer on new growth. ‘Henryi’ and ‘Nelly Moser’ are C. lanuginosa types, and will bloom well in late spring and sometimes again in the fall. The sweet autumn clematis (C. maximowicziana) is a great fall bloomer, but can be a invasive over time. Both it and the Armand clematis cover their supports with small fragrant white blooms. Pruning is based on season of bloom and will be indicated on the plant identification tag. Clematis are not drought-tolerant plants, so water as needed. Add a bit of lime to the planting soil and make sure there is ample drainage. Work in some organic matter. Clematis are heavy feeders, so fertilize with a complete fertilizer two to three times a year. The old maxim that works claims that clematis likes its feet in the shade and its head in the sun. |
LANDSCAPING SUNNY SLOPE
|
We live in the Lakewood area of NLR, with a wonderful view of one of the lakes. In the past, the area sloping down to the lake had been terraced and planted with daffodils, daylilies and irises. Some of the area is covered with spreading monkey grass that has almost covered the ground. We want to maintain what was started and enhance the area with more perennials and even some low growing evergreens. Our first problem is controlling the weeds and privet hedge. We have cut everything back and applied two applications of weed killer. What should be our next steps in controlling these? We plan to add perennials in the fall, Starting with daylilies, lantana and coneflowers. Since the area is very rocky and not easy to water, we wonder if planting in containers would be better. This area faces west and gets full sun. Any suggestions will be appreciated. |
|
Privet hedge is difficult to kill. Moreover, if the land is left open until fall, you will have a plethora of new weeds or growth before planting time this fall. I would spend the time between now and then improving the site and mulching. Digging up and/or spraying any new sprouts of the weeds will also help. Planting your new plants in the ground would be a lot easier to maintain than containers, but another option would be constructing raised beds. That gives you the best of both worlds. |
|
 |
|
