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What kind of fertilizer do you use?

16 years ago

I read on here some where that some one uses rose fertilizer for their clematis is this advisable? If so does anyone use the rose fertilizer stakes? I would love to use stakes but am not sure which ones to use. I usually just use the water soluble all purpose fertilizer. Thanks, Judy

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Comments (7)

nckvilledudes
16 years ago
Judy, the variety of fertilizers used on clematis is endless. A lot of people swear by rose fertilizer. I have used just about anything commercially available or homemade besides rose fertilizer and not had issues with my clematis. Haven't ever heard of anyone who used rose fertilizer stakes but I can't see how they would be any different than a timed release fertilizer. Perhaps someone who has used them will chime in.
eden_in_me
16 years ago
I haven't used the rose sticks yet, but I bought a package at HD on sale and intend to stick one by each of my oldest type 2s after the first time of flowering is over. Hoping for a rebloom, as some ones that were bought after flowering time last Summer did bloom in the Fall, something which had never happened for me before.

Marie in ME
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alpiner
16 years ago
Stake type fertilizers are fine for moderate to humid climates. A good rule of thumb is whether trees in your area are planted in peat containers or not. Many fertilizer stakes for plants for roses, etc. mummify (like peat pots do) in dry humidity climates wheras in higher humidity the plant stakes break down as intended.
judy_4
Original Author
16 years ago
Marie, Let me know how it goes!
Alpiner, I do not know if trees are planted in peat containers I have never planted one like that but I did just plant a tomato in that type of pot. It is very very moist in our area it has rained so much we have water standing all over. It's raining right now & it is supposed to rain through the weekend. It is definitely not dry!
eden_in_me
16 years ago
I don't know about trees either, but it can get quite humid here in the summer. I haven't had to hose water for a couple of years, just take a watering can to plants that seem to need it if it hasn't rained for a few days.

And it may be closer to July when the ELFs stop flowering, only my oldest atragenes have bloomed at all, But I do have a few nice fat buds.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
16 years ago
Fertilizer spikes are generally considered an extremely inefficient delivery method for applying fertilizer. Ideally, fertilizer should be applied evenly throughout the root system (or across the top of the root spread) rather than concentrated in a specific area. The feeder roots of plants - the ones responsible for accessing and absorbing soil nutrients - are located just below the soil surface but across the extent of the full root spread. A liquid fertilizer, granuals spread evenly across this area or a good mulch of compost is the best way to maximize your fertilization and ensure plants are receiving the nutrients they require.
buyorsell888
16 years ago
I've never thought fertilizer spikes were worth much. Tested Jobe's plant spikes years ago on houseplants. In my opinion the fertilizer washes out of the pot under the spike and the plant doesn't get much.

I do buy tomato spikes and cut them up and use them to fertilize my waterlilies as they are cheaper than buying waterlily pellets but I don't ever use them in the garden.

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