My new obsession: Clematis- help for beginner Zone 5
White Dove (5a)
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (13)
Emily Saba
8 years agoWhite Dove (5a)
8 years agoRelated Discussions
My new Florida Sieboldii Clematis
Comments (21)My Florida Sieboldii is really doing well since I put it in the ground! It's putting out a couple of nice long stems! I'm still not sure where to plant it and my other one once the temps cool a bit. It would be perfect if I could grow them in containers. So I think I'll take Miguel's advice and get a couple of huge containers. That way I can put them at the top of my deck and let them grow both ways on my privacy fence with the lattice on top. I think I'm hooked! I want to order several more! Jeez, I already have several different plants that need to be planted, including my Rose of Sharon, Red Plumeria, Angel Trumpet, plus several I need to re-pot, like my Desert Rose, a new beautiful peach rose, a Hydrangea. And that's just all I can think of off the top of my mind. But it's just too darn hot to do anything right now. Recently, we got a thunderstorm with a downpour, and I took that opportunity to run out and plant my Florida Seiboldii into my garden! It was so much cooler and more comfortable. Thanks all! Dee...See MoreZone 2 Vines for a beginner
Comments (9)I am finding virginia creeper a very aggressive vine. My neighbor had planted it at one end of the fence bordering our driveway. It quickly spread along the length of the fence. I have a narrow bed planted there. I am constantly pulling up the vines which are rooting in my flowerbed. It would overwhelm that narrow bed in one season if I wasn't diligent about removing them. I do find it attractive and it wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't trying to have a flowerbed so near to the vines though. I didn't plant them, yet I'm the one trying to control them. And now that neighbor has moved away. I just wanted to warn you in case you have a similar situation....See MoreZone 5 Beginners garden
Comments (23)I want to enthusiastically second the notion of growing edibles for kids in this age range. My kids are now 12, but they still wait eagerly for the first signs of red on the strawberries and cherry tomatoes (the former at a nice height for young kids), and eat my snow peas and green beans off the vines before I can pick them. Lettuce is a quick reinforcer, and there are some "easter egg" radishes that are cute and come in a variety of colors, that can be eaten within 40 days of planting. Patience isn't the strongest suit in this age group, so you want some instant gratification as much as possible. Among other plants, you really want the fun of snapdragons. I showed my kids what my mom showed me, how to pick off the heads and make "dragons" chop at each other and they still love it. The spring bulbs are fantastic, as they bloom quickly after the long winter, and reliables like the cut-and-come-again zinnias would be good. I agree that any roses should be low growing and relatively low thorn which makes the minis from Burlington ideal. I definitely would stay with the shrubs (like the Easy Elegance roses) for long-term appeal, but anything interactive like the annuals needs to be in front of those thorns. There's always time to develop an appreciation for more subtle rose beauties - all of us are still learning that too! Cynthia...See MoreSpider mites on Clem indoors -- oops Zone 5a New Eng
Comments (3)Spider mites aren't insects, so many (all?) insecticides won't work on them. However they don't like water, so put it in the sink or shower and spray it on all leaf sides. You may need to repeat this more than once as new mites hatch. I wouldn't use a systemic regardless, both because it is indoors along with you and any visitors, pets, family, etc. while many pesticides are intended for outdoor use, and also because any bees that come to the flowers once it is outdoors will be poisoned by the insecticide. As soon as days are above freezing, start putting it out in shade to begin hardening it off, but bring it in at night when it is colder since it is still getting too cold for a fully leafed out clematis at this point in 5a New England....See MoreWhite Dove (5a)
8 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoxplant2mi
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years agoWhite Dove (5a)
8 years agobuyorsell888
8 years agoWhite Dove (5a)
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
8 years agoWhite Dove (5a)
8 years agoWhite Dove (5a)
8 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESA Beginner’s Guide to Growing Succulents
Their easy-care reputation is well-deserved, but a little TLC will turn succulents into star plants
Full StoryLIGHTINGA Beginner’s Guide to Lighting in Layers
Discover the secrets of combining light sources to create richer-looking and more flexible living spaces
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners
Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners
Full StoryLIFE12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice
Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGWhen You Need Real Housekeeping Help
Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips
Full StoryMOVINGRelocating Help: 8 Tips for a Happier Long-Distance Move
Trash bags, houseplants and a good cry all have their role when it comes to this major life change
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES5 Invaluable Life Lessons From the Garden
The garden is both teacher and healer. Don't be afraid — dig in and reap the benefits
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPING40 Great Gifts for Gardeners
What to Get for Green-Thumb Types. It's a No-Gnome Zone.
Full StoryEARTH DAY5 Ideas for a More Earth-Friendly Garden
Consider increasing the size of garden beds, filtering rainwater and using plants to reduce energy use
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNSee 5 Unexpected Ways to Use Vines
Vines can grow over slopes, trail off pergolas and add seasonal color to the garden
Full Story
NHBabs z4b-5a NH