Clematis 'duchess of edinburg' close-up

I think that is lovely.

It is a lovely Clematis Sticki...massive flowers...:>)

They don't do very well here, I wish they would - I keep trying!

Do you know the reason Sticki?

No, must either be not enough sun or they don't like my slightly acidic soil??

My soil is a bit on the acid side......This gets sun 'till about 1pm, then the sun moves behind it, blocked by a large Leylandii hedge....Needs lots of moisture....

Should I keep trying then? Is there anything they especially like? I have less sun than you, it's very free draining soil.

Free draining is good Sticki....a neutral soil 7.0, They like a peaty soil, but not too acidic, lime could be added if necessary...plenty of compost and some bone-meal added to the top layer of soil, shaded roots, head in the sun if possible, plenty of moisture and planted about 3" deeper than it was in the pot..they do need some sun, morning sun rather than hot mid-day...if you have a shaded garden how about growing a shorter one in a pot and placing it in a sunnier situation?....hope this helps...You've probably done all those things Sticki....:>)

Clay pots are best Sticki..it keeps the roots cooler...John Innes No. 3 compost is a good choice for Clems in pots...applying a bark mulch also helps to keep roots cool...If i were growing a clematis in a pot it would be C. Boulevard 'Rebecca'...150cm-200cm tall...a lovely pillar-box red....I expect you're sorry you asked now lol....:>)

No not sorry at all, your advice is very good, I keep looking at the White ones cos I know they will show up well.
Thank you.

You are welcome Sticki....hope you have some success next try...:>)