Why can’t I grow it? Loamy soil, zone 5, sunny area
Clematis prefer soil slightly on the alkaline side. Many NE USA soils are acidic so testing the soil will tell you if you need to amend this factor. While the leaves enjoy sunshine, the roots need to stay cool and shaded. Maybe finding the right cultivar is all you need. Check with your local cooperative extension service, Search.Extension.org for hybrids that do well in your area. Here is a detailed explanation of clematis growing requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/534/79846/06-Growing-Clematis-English.pdf
It bloomed in the spring and again in the fall.
Depending on the variety, it may be just fine!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
How can you tell whether the clematis flowers are on last year`s wood or new growth? If it flowers on new growth, should this be cut right back? Ours are growing in a basement gulley, so sunshine is much better at higher levels. Does this affect the pruning? thank you for the advice.
You have to know the flowering time to know when to prune these. A general rule is to prune them directly after the flowers die for the year.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
Bought a house in the fall with a beautiful annual garden with extensive amounts of annuals, trees and shrubs. I need help. First issues/question: a shrub/vine didn’t shed its leaves over the winter, I suspect because of its location it didn’t have adequate wind to blow the leaves off; should I do anything to it such as use a blower to remove leaves, fertilize or just leave it be?
This is difficult to tell what you have growing in this garden! It appears you may have Clematis Vine, as the twirly seed heads are visible in one image.
Pruning of these can be different between varieties and it is not uncommon for leaves to remain on the vine.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
The thorned stems could be Roses or even berries.
This may be a spring of waiting until perennials emerge and making plant identifications. Then you can determine care including pruning.
If you had annuals, those would have been planted for one season. Annuals do not generally come back unless they reseed.
Please advise me would it be better to use 20mm or 50mm plastic mesh netting to support my various clematis plants? It will be secured to pieces of batton 2' x 6'backing onto a garage wall.
It will not matter much with this plant. It will clime, and have a spread large enough to reach just about anything. Here is an article that will come in handy when it is time to prune: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
A recent wind storm knocked over our wooden arbor which broke my clematis at about 15” high. Two questions, do you think the stub will regrow? Do you think if I cut the remaining vine at about 6 ft. Then try to reroot in soil? The base is still green.thank you, Gail Baker
It will, definitely, regrow. Pruning is a normal part of maintaining this vine. You can also propagate this by tip cutting. Just cut the vine into 6 to 12 inch segments, and plant them in moist soil using rooting hormone, aspirin, or honey to force rooting. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and not dry either. These can be very easy to grow from cutting.
This article will guide you on pruning clematis: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
I’ve recently planted two clematis plants with a trellis to grow up. I’d like to cover the ground of the beds with bark chippings to reduce weeds and look nicer. Is that going to be sufficient to protect the root of the clematis or should I add stones as well? Thank you
Mulch is a great way to control moisture, keep roots cool and keep down weeds.
Keep the mulch back from the base of the plant about 6 inches; this prevents diseases.
A layer of about 4 to 6 inches of mulch will be sufficient.
A like to say 'plant a Clematis with its roots in the shade and its flowers in the sun'.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/growing-clematis.htm