Siting a Clematis.

Somerset, United Kingdom

If a Clematis grower could answer this i'd be very grateful .....
What EXACTLY would be the consequence of siting one in a north facing position if it says not to?
I've got Clematis from all 3 categories and haven't ever been hung-up on all the 'dos and don'ts', i've always done as i chose/thought logical and never had any disease/pest problems.
I've been given a group 2 Clematis (Arctic Queen) and it states on its label 'not north facing' and that's exactly where i'd planned on putting it, specifically, it's roots will be north facing but the rest will be every aspect!
It'll grow alongside some group 3s.

15 Jun, 2009

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Answers

Bamboo

Lots of hybrid clematis aren't supposed to be planted on a northerly aspect, with one or two notable exceptions. This is usually because it will be much colder during the winter, and the roots might suffer as a result.

15 Jun, 2009

Louise1

Thank you Bamboo.
Do YOU follow that rule in your experiences, i've seen your profile and know you've worked professionally in gardens and just wondered.

Here in the south west it doesn't get that cold, windy sometimes yes but i can grow quite a few plants that are tender.

I'll have to give it more thought.

15 Jun, 2009

Doctorbob1

Hi Louise,
Ask Spritzhenry for advice in Somerset, her garden has been open to view recently.

15 Jun, 2009

Bamboo

Well I live in London, so unless it's a very exposed spot, as long as I know the heads of the clematis can be in the sun, I don't worry about it at all. And usually, it's fair to say, the clematis has stuff growing all round the base of it anyway, like other shrubs, so that helps protect everything.

15 Jun, 2009

Telme8

If you are placing it on a North facing fence, is it your garden on the South? What I mean is it your property both sides of the fence. I have 2 north facing fences and my Clematis and roses grow well but all the flowers go over the fence and The neighbours get the benefit. Just one little consideration as they will grow and draw to the sunlight!

15 Jun, 2009

Llew

I have 2 Clematis on a north facing wall. They flower no problem and are in flower now. They're a group 3 though.

15 Jun, 2009

Spritzhenry

I reckon the clematis would try to reach up to the sun, and it would only survive if it was planted in a sheltered place, Louise. We do get wind here, and some clematis don't appreciate that.

15 Jun, 2009

Louise1

Bamboo, those are my thoughts too, all my Clematis are growing through other shrubs, so protected, also their heads are in the sun.
I think i'll carry on as usual !

Telma, it's actually a hedge that the plants will grow through and the south facing side is the road (cul-de-sac) so the flowers can be appreciated by everyone :)

Llew, i have several group 3s on a different north facing area too!

Spritz, i'm going to try it there, the winds will get it but i think the shelter of the hedge (Escallonia) will protect it, also this area is sheltered by the house - to a degree.

Thank you for all the input, i like it,

Watch this space ...... !!! :)

16 Jun, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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