I have notes scribbled about fertilization of Clematis in the Spring and the Fall using both bone meal and Rose tone. Can you clarify proper applicat...
Knowledgebase
fertilization of Clematis #886759
Asked September 30, 2024, 1:19 PM EDT
I have notes scribbled about fertilization of Clematis in the Spring and the Fall using both bone meal and Rose tone. Can you clarify proper applications with type of fertilizer and amounts?
Thank you.
Lois
Anne Arundel CountyMaryland
Expert Response
Neither should be needed if a laboratory soil test (performed every ~3 years or so) hasn't indicated that a particular nutrient is deficient in the soil. If any are deficient, then a fertilizer supplying just those nutrients can be chosen, but we'd need to know which nutrients those are first to provide suggestions. In that event, the lab will usually provide application dosage recommendations. Established plants that are growing well and not showing indications of a foliage nutrient deficiency (like chlorosis) rarely need supplemental fertilizer. When soils are not deficient, it means the roots have plenty of what they need, so adding more nutrients won't spur extra growth or provide other benefits. In addition to contributing to stormwater pollution, over-fertilization can detriment plants, like increasing the risk of pest or disease damage, making stems floppier, reducing flower formation, or causing root stress from the higher mineral levels, so we generally do not recommend fertilization for ornamental plants unless there is a demonstrated need for it (like soil test results).