Can I Grow Clematis in Southern CA?
Theodocia123
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (19)
Theodocia123
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Can I grow SweetAutumn Clematis in mostly shade?
Comments (1)defining ambient light is near impossible with words .... you can have trees limbed up 40 feet .... be in total shade.. and have to wear sunglasses for the brightness ... or it can be so dark.. you need a flashlight at mid day ... 2 hours of direct light is very borderline, as you suspect ... but the amount of ambient light for the remainder of the day is determinative ... the only real solution .... GIVE IT A GO .... what is it.. a 10$ investment.. maybe 20 ... frankly .. all other things proper .... lack of sun simply reduces vigor .... it rarely kills ... you can always move it later if it isnt growing to expectation ... i planted a AC in full sun .. in the third year .. it covered a split rail fence for 15 feet in every direction ... if in 3 years.. your is only growing 3 feet .. then you have to think about moving it ... also .. since they bloom in the heat of summer.. you better have no fear of bees .... though the scent will help overcome such.. lol ... they are extremely busy on the plant.. and frankly .. unless provoked.. they would prefer to concentrate on the flower .... but some peeps just cant take the risk .. or have nerves of steel ..... ken PS: greenery is usually very capable of adjusting to reduced light... its the flower production that will be limited by lack of sun .. which may defeat the entire reason to buy this .... PPS: all that said... there is a clematis forum.. go figure ........See MorePlants I can't grow; plants I can grow.
Comments (8)Hi Melissa -- did you ever get that email I sent you about digging a swale to capture rainwater on a hillside? I'm working on a similar project (slowly) and thought of you. Fundamentally I agree with you. It's best to grow plants that want to grow in the conditions you can offer them. I have a couple exceptions. You mentioned blueberries. I just adore blueberries. If you stick to the newer southern highbush varieties such as Misty, Oneal, and Sunshine Blue you may have better luck. Sunshine Blue in particular is said to be a little more tolerant of higher pH. Try a raised bed filled with compost, wood chip, and peat as a growing medium. I'm experimenting with the same mixture, some soil and sulfur added, dug as a trench in the ground. It is too soon to tell, but so far all but one of my blueberries are growing well and not chlorotic. I did lose one, but think that I lost it to hot dry weather when I was away. They do need water. I don't begrudge it to food plants. My other exception is that I planted a couple of avocado trees because Tom loves them so much. I'm not convinced that I'm going to be able to make them happy, but we're giving it a try. After killing about two dozen rhododendrons, I've given up on them. I have two left. One under the redwood trees actually looks reasonably happy. The other, alas, is on its way out. I do so love rhododendrons. At least I have roses! And apples. And plums, and figs, and citrus. Really, so much does well here that it is silly to sigh for the few plants that won't thrive for me. It means that when I go garden visiting and see favorite plants I cannot grow well, I have the special thrill that comes from seeing the less accustomed beauty. Rosefolly...See MoreCan I grow 'em in the hot sun of central CA?
Comments (5)I would plant in the sun. Shade is not a good location. giving your plants magnesium (epsom salts) and extra potassium protects leaves from burning. If your stem is getting sunburned put a cardboard center of a paper towel roll split longwise and snapped around the stem. Once the plant has leafed out, remove the cardboard roll as the leaves shade the stem. You can also take something like a tomato ring and put a square of wire mesh or netting above the plant so during the hot mid day it acts like a mesh unbrella over your plant but lets in morning and afternoon sun....See MoreI'll be in Southern CA next month.........
Comments (21)I checked the maps and found that Camp Pendleton is between Oceanside and San Clement, way north of San Diego. Will you be staying in San Diego or will you stay in Oceanside, which is where Camp Pendleton is located? I've only driven through Oceanside, either on my way to San Diego, Vista (to buy orchid cactus), or Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (great for camping/hiking in winter - too hot in summer). If you will be staying in Oceanside, I would recommend Trupianos Italian Restaurant, and otherwise, I would recommend that you do some research before choosing a place, since most of the restaurants there are chains. If you want sushi, try the fish joint. There's nothing adventurous in Oceanside, and so your family should be okay with whatever you find, if that's where you will be. If you go north to Laguna, you can get very adventurous, however, and it's closer to Camp Pendleton than San Diego is. If your family is like my parents, that would not be a good idea, however. You can get adventurous when you get to L.A. Surfas closes at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, but you can view their inventory on line beforehand. Penzey's and TJ's are rather ubiquitous and therefore less of a draw, I think. You'll have a lot of choices for lunch and dinner here. I look forward to meeting you! Lars...See Morehoovb zone 9 sunset 23
12 years agohosenemesis
12 years agoTheodocia123
12 years agoeloise_ca
12 years agoBloomingBug
12 years agogotsomerice
12 years agoTheodocia123
12 years agoTheodocia123
12 years agohosenemesis
12 years agohoovb zone 9 sunset 23
12 years agojenn
12 years agobunnymoonflowers
10 years agocreatedtocook
10 years agohoovb zone 9 sunset 23
10 years agocreatedtocook
10 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
10 years agocreatedtocook
10 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESYes, You Can Grow an Edible Garden on a Hot, Dry Site
Difficult garden spots don’t need to deter you from planting trees, herbs and other delicious food plants
Full StoryFALL GARDENING5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers
Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit
Full StoryPLANTING IDEASGreat Garden Combo: Rose + Clematis for Small-Space Impact
We all need somebody to lean on. And when a rose supports a climbing vine, the results can totally transform a small garden
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Clematis Virginiana
Devil’s darning needles, a vigorous vine native to eastern North America, likes partial shade and many types of soils
Full StoryEARTH DAYGrow a Beautiful Garden With Ecofriendly Greywater
Reducing home water waste means lower bills and a healthier planet. Here's how to set up a greywater home irrigation system that can help
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Top Native Plants for Southern California Gardens
Enjoy a fuss-free, water-wise garden by growing plants naturally in tune with the climate and wildlife of Southern California
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGrow a Beautiful Fall Garden in a Pot
Welcome autumn with 7 gorgeous plants that thrive in containers and enliven your porch or patio throughout the cooler season
Full StoryFRUIT TREESHow to Grow Your Own Persimmons
Sturdy and easy to care for, these trees offer bright fruit through winter — and keeping them in bounds is no sweat
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGrow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees
Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Georgia Peach Grows California Roots
Southern Glamour and Bay Views Combine in Lush San Francisco Home
Full Story
anotherlinda