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Vines Container Gardening Clematis

When should I expect to see new growth in Zone 6b for Clematis?

2 years ago

Hi everyone. I live in Zone 6b I believe it would be, in NYC. Last year I purchased a small potted Clematis Katherina, a type of clematis that is supposedly intended for containers/small spaces. I DID get a few flowers last year, though at some point my local adorable squirrels attacked the plant a bit.

That said, I know that even after 'squirrel attacks', most of my perennials have no issues and come back every year. But with this plant, and since this is my very first Spring where I am waiting to see if/when new growth appears, I am naturally a bit concerned due to the fact that a number of my other perennials started showing new growth a few weeks ago, while my Clematis shows no signs of life at all. So I have to wonder if the squirrels did irreparable damage, or if perhaps Clematis (vs say my sedum, Jacob's Ladder and Great Blue Lobelia, all of which have new growth) simply does not sprout from the ground until a bit later? What also concerns me is that the plant is described as flowering 'in the Spring'...

Thanks for any insights!

Comments (13)

dbarron
2 years ago
Well my clematis versicolor (species) is about eight inches high, my 'Gravetye Beauty' (C texensis hybrid) is about 1 1/2 foot. I'm zone 7a...so I'd think you'd probably be seeing something by now.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
I agree. You should have seen signs of growth by now, even in a colder zone. Katharina is a group 2 early flowering LFH and should be flowering sometime next month. I currently have fat flower buds on all my group 2 LFH's.
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popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
2 years ago
I'm Zone 5b and I see signs of growth on all but one of my clems.
Lynn Nevins
Original Author
2 years ago
Sigh....I had a feeling that I should have seen something by now... ;-( Thanks all!
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
I wouldn't give up on it yet! I have had apparently 'dead' clematis spring back into life, usually those that were not yet fully established. Almost like they were taking a time out :-)
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
2 years ago
I totally agree that I wouldn't give up just yet. Especially if it was a new planting last season. It may take longer to push out green. My calendar says this is the time to give them lime. I usually give mine a little garden lime around the base and sort of scratch it in. I have no idea if it makes any difference but it's just part of my Spring routine.
callirhoe123
2 years ago
Some of mu clematis are 12" tall and others have yet to break ground. Be patient.
Lynn Nevins
Original Author
2 years ago
Yeah! Would you believe I only saw these newer responses AFTER I'd just ordered a new replacement plant? So I was able to call them and cancel the order. And thanks, popmama, for the lime tip. I'll do that! ;-)
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
2 years ago
One can never go wrong with two! :-)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
Liming is completely unnecessary unless you have highly acidic soil. I've never limed a clematis in my life!
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
2 years ago
Well that's one vote for lime and one vote for no lime. I happen to have it on hand so I always give my clematis lime this time of year.
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
2 years ago
I have clematis that have come up later here too.
charles kidder
2 years ago
I've generally found older more mature plants come out of dormancy sooner than younger plants. Give it a few more weeks. If you still have nothing, dig it up and see if the roots are OK.

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