I'm using Messenger and Mighty Plant for the first time this year and decided to experiment with my Clematis 'Jackmanii'. I sprayed the vine on the right with Messenger in early spring and not the one on the left. About 3 weeks later, I sprayed both vines with Mighty Plant. I can see very noticable difference in the size of the vines. Not so much difference in the number of blooms, but this clematis always bloom heavily.
Susan
This photo is from the other side of the trellis.
Wow, that is a big difference. I guess I need to get me some. That is amazing.
wow, cool.
Seeing is believing! I also sprayed my Clematis, Roses, & Brugs with Messenger & Mighty Plant. Clematis & Roses are blooming beautifully, Brugs are putting out lots of new foliage.
Wow, what a difference. The only thing I can leave out of spraying for a test is a couple of annuals! LOL
I just got mine a couple weeks ago so only 1 application so far on my little test.
Debbie
Are you sure they get the same amount of sun?? They do face oppposite directions and we can't see the canopy of the larger trees. I recently asked my very experienced extension agent, who has never steered me wrong, for an update on Messenger. She said she has done her own experiements, as have some of the other MG's, and she has found NO effect whatsoever. She said she will no longer use it.
I think both sides get about the same amt. of sun. The arbor faces NE, so the right side may get more morning sun and the left more afternoon sun. The trees across the street don't shade either side much. This is the first year I have noticed any difference in size. I wish I had experimented with more things. Admittedly these vines do very well with no help from me at all. Normally I don't even fertilize them and they bloom all summer, so it may not have been the best experiment.
susan
Susan,
I know this thread is supposed to be about Messenger, but each time I open this forum and see the picture of your pretty arbor with the clematis blooming so beautifully, I just have to comment. Truly a sight to behold especially from someone in Zone 9 who hasn't had much luck growing clematis. Just bought another to try a few weeks ago--I am green with envy about how wonderfully yours grows.
Thanks! My experience with clemetis here is that it takes 3 to 4 years for them to really get going. Then they do wonderful.
I've been using Messenger since last fall, and I have noticed a big difference, as has my mom. My clematis, which I've had for nearly 30 years has never had such big leaves. It's always vigorous, so no difference there that I can really detect, but definitely a difference in the size of the leaves. It also has a lot more bloom buds than in previous years.
I used it this winter on a philodendron that is also 30 years old and it wasn't doing very well at all, then after the Messenger, WOW. Look at the size of that leaf!
Dumb question...what is Mighty Plant??
Judith
Hi judith, long time no see. read all about Messenger and Mightly Plant here. I think there's even a coop going on. ck out the coop forum if interested
http://www.edenbio.com/garden/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=48
Hi vossner -- thanks for the info. I use Messenger, swear by it, but I didn't know about Mighty Plant and now they don't have it!
I'm curious. Has anyone been using Messenger for an extended period on the same plant? I can't help but think with all the super growth, that the plant must be giving up something else, like longevity.
We had that discussion over on Garden Products, plant life shouldn't be shorter as long as you fertilize so that they have the energy to support the growth and blooms. If Messenger significantly shortened the life of a plant, the people who make it would have so many lawsuits on their hands a few years down the road as everyone's plants started dying an early death! I don't think they would sell it if that were the case.
