Veronica and Clematis bloom problems - Ask Extension
The purple spikes of my three Veronicas look beautiful for a couple of weeks then start turning brown from the bottom up, with the purple color remain...
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Veronica and Clematis bloom problems #583440
Asked July 25, 2019, 12:45 PM EDT
The purple spikes of my three Veronicas look beautiful for a couple of weeks then start turning brown from the bottom up, with the purple color remaining on only about an inch from the top of each bloom.
Also, my purple clematis blooms profusely for about two weeks, then remains green for the rest of the summer with no new buds in sight. This is one that only grows to five feet. I keep it moist and have the roots protected from the sun. My white clematis, which is a taller variety, is only five feet away and is gorgeous. I do deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more blooms. This is the second season for both of these plants.
Also, my purple clematis blooms profusely for about two weeks, then remains green for the rest of the summer with no new buds in sight. This is one that only grows to five feet. I keep it moist and have the roots protected from the sun. My white clematis, which is a taller variety, is only five feet away and is gorgeous. I do deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more blooms. This is the second season for both of these plants.
Erie County New York
Expert Response
Veronica may suffer from root rot in poorly-drained soil that stays overly wet, so it is important to install it in a well-drained soil. To help accomplish this, mix compost into the ground when you plant it. The compost will also add nutrients to the ground to give your young plant a good start. In future years, occasionally sprinkle more compost onto the ground around the plant and work it in by soaking the soil afterward with your garden hose. speedwell plants grow best in an area with full sun and a loamy, well-drained soil.
Although they are drought-resistant plants once mature, you must water them regularly while they are young. Even as older plants, they will bloom better when given a moderate amount of water.
Although they are drought-resistant plants once mature, you must water them regularly while they are young. Even as older plants, they will bloom better when given a moderate amount of water.
My Clematis is not Blooming
Be sure you use a low nitrogen fertilizer on your clematis since too much nitrogen can cause all vine and no flowers. I fertilize all my clematis with organic, slow release fertilizers in the winter when I prune my group three clematis, usually in late February or early March. I like to use Rose Tone (Bulb Tone is also good) and dehydrated cow manure on both, but 5-10-10 or tomato fertilizer work also. A second dose of fertilizer is recommended in June. At our 2000 conference I learned that a leading Polish clematis breeder and nurseryman uses Osmocote on his clematis with great results. http://www.clematisinternational.com/growing.html#pg2
