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Dug up baby clems, potted them, now what?

17 years ago

Hi,

I had three baby clematis that arrived to me in 1" pots this past summer. Thanks to some wonderful advice from posters here, I found I needed to put them in 1 gallon pots and let them grow through the winter. I dug them up in late September-early October, potted them in Miracle Grow Moisture Control potting soil, and put them on my deck under a small table so that the frost and early cold weather wouldn't hurt them. Each plant is (or was) about 2"-3" tall when I planted them. Now, they look like they are dying...they have yellow and brown leaves.

Are they dying or just going dormant? How can I tell the difference, or do I have to wait to see if they put out next spring?

With the weather this year being colder earlier than normal, did I leave the delicate babies outside in too cold weather? Do I need to bring them into my basement or just go ahead and leave them outside?

Thanks for your help and advice!

Bev

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Comments (3)

alina_1
17 years ago
Hi Bev,
I am also a first time Clematis grower. I have about 40 potted clemmies on my deck. They all are pretty healthy. About one third of them are turning yellow and brown now. I guess it is just the right time for them to do so.
We had our first light frost already, my baby clems in small pots are doing just fine. I am planning to bring them inside into unheated garage if we will have heavier frosts.
Some of my tiny babies died to the ground after showing some growth. They seem to be much weaker than plants with good root system. I am not giving up on them though. I keep them moist and protected and hope for the best. Since your baby clems obviously do not have well developed root balls yet, I would give them extra protection this winter. If your basement is cold but frost free, that would work. Just keep them moist all the time. Alternatively, you can wrap pots in a bubble wrap, put a layer of mulch on the soil and leave them outside. Keeping them under the table sounds like a good idea to me, because heavy rains are somewhat damaging for the small plants.
Just my two cents :-) I hope our experts will provide you with more info.
Good luck!
Alina.
bevinga
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Alina...I think I just might take your advice and move them to the basement. I'd never thought about the bubble wrap, though...that's a great idea! I've wanted to get a clematis for years, now, and finally decided to try my hand at it this summer. I hope I can keep them going until next spring!

Beverly
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michael_in_chicago
17 years ago
It depends on what types they are and how well-developed their root system is, though I'd guess in your zone they'd be fine after growing on for a season. Still, if you're worried, bring them in, or let them stay dormant in a garage where it's cool. Keep them barely moist, not too wet. That would be easier than the basement.

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