I have two well established clematises growing against a gazebo. I don't know which type, but they seem to get new leaves and blossoms on old growth. They have a lot of dead material at the bottom, and also inside. I'm wondering whether if I prune them hard they will get new growth lower down. Any suggestions? (This photo was taken on June 19 - the blooms are gone now.)
Here's a closeup of one of the blossoms.
And the other.
The second one looks like clematis "Nelly Moser" to me..Not sure about the first one..let me think more about it...Jeanne
http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=35
I agree with Jeanne, it looks like my Nelly Moser too. Your vines are lovely. Sorry I don't have advice on the pruning part, but I'm sure somebody will. Mine aren't big or old enough to need much pruning yet.
Claire
I have thought that one might be Nelly, too. I followed your link, Jeanne, and found that she is a type 2 which shouldn't be pruned at all except for dead wood. (Thanks for the link.) Neither one of them has any buds down low, or ever get new growth from the roots, so I'm guessing that "not Nelly" is also a type 1 or 2.
They are both pruning group 2's...and evidently adore where you have planted them..did you say how old they are?..Some varieties are known to not produce blooms way down low..some people cut back by half after the first bloom period..for they will bloom in spring and again in late Summer/early fall...Jeanne
They've probably been there about 17 years. They were "rescue" plants - little babies barely clinging to life at the end of the season - and they were both supposed to have been Jackmanii. Although not what I expected, I do like them. They're on the east side of the gazebo, so they get morning sun and afternoon shade, with some indirect light coming through the gazebo. The last few years they have bloomed profusely inside the gazebo as well as outside, which is quite beautiful. The Nelly Moser is a bit earlier than the not Nelly, which gives me a prolonged bloom period.
Maybe I should just plant something in front of them so the scraggly bottoms are hidden.
I'm on the lookout for a Jackmanii to put on a trellis with a light pink climbing rose called Pearly Gates. (Also an end of season clearance item that it doing spectacularly.) I saw a picture of a similar combination in a catalogue, and it was gorgeous.
Its very common that people plant something that will only be about a foot tall in front to hide what is called "Bare legs"..or no blooms...Jeanne
They are just glorious Jayne. I am very envious. I have several "rescued clematis" that are doing well but only in their first year or 2, so they have a long way to go to be like yours. I got one this year that is a "rescue" that had no tag and nobody knew what it was, so it will be a surprise.
I like the idea of planting some shorter plants in the front to hide the "bare legs" and dream of the day when my clematis are actually big enough to need to do that. I think in front of the two you have, something with silvery foliage would be lovely and complementary to the blooms.
Claire
this is an amazing display. nelly m and bees jubilee. in my zone 5 b i find nelly and bees j sensitive to pruning. the plant will respond well,but any pruning really diminishes blooms for a couple of years for me. that 's why i don't have a giant one, cause i prune a lot! for the size of it, there is not a lot of debris at the bottom. plant boxwood at the base if you like boxwood. it will give protection too, as well as cover that up. prune as little as possible to groom out anything unslightly being careful not to prune too much. it is a magnificant display!
Niobe..the reason why is your short growing season..Pruning group 2's bloom on old wood and you just don't have enough growing time to hard prune 2's and see them bloom really well...don't prune..just prune to shape and keep in bounds...Jeanne
i have to prune my nelly.....don't mind about not having having many blooms on this one. the color doesn't please in the spot i have my oldest one so i keep it lean. i don't tolerate any unslightly leaves near the house. nelly is actually my least favorite clematis of all....something about it, like a stargazer lily , just can't take a lot of those blooms. but i appreciate the one posted here today, the biggest and best nelly i have ever seen!
What a glorious sight!
I thought you were supposed to keep ALL clematis's "feet" in the shade, "head" in the sunshine? I was taught to always plant around the base because they prefer to have the base/root area in shade. Am I mistaken?
The term " clematis's "feet" in the shade, "head" in the sunshine" simply put means that clematis like to have their roots stay moist and they love at least 6-8 hours sun depending on your zone...Planting deeper and mulching aids in helping the roots stay moist...Jeanne
part of the formula is that they look better as bottom leaves thin or go brown! i have some healthy specimens that don't mind an open bottom, but most look better with some coverage and i am sure it also helps retain moisture.
They are stunning. Very nice.
more feet in the shade sensibility. when the clematis roots have a little crowding / competition they grow down deeper and establish a healthier , happier plant. the companion plantings force them to do this and all concerned are healthier , happier and prettier.
