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Post by Plocket on Feb 18, 2008 18:48:58 GMT
I've copied this from my website for you Biggles: "There are lots of varieties of clematis suitable for planting in containers. For best results choose a clematis that grows to a maximum of 10ft but more compact varieties are obviously better. Good feeding and regular watering is essential to maintain a healthy plant. You can plant more than one clematis in one container but remember that for ease of maintenance it's best to plant the same pruning groups together. Terracotta, stone, concrete or wooden containers are best as plastic can overheat the roots in summer. A pot measuring at least 18" diameter and 18" deep is best because clematis have quite long roots. The container should have good drainage so as well as holes in the bottom you should add a good layer of gravel or small pebbles, and then fill the pot with good compost (John Innes No.3 for example). Soak the new clematis, still in the original pot, in a bucket of water for about twenty minutes then remove it from the pot. Carefully loosen the roots taking care not to damage them, and place the plant in the new container so that the top of the rootball is about 3" below soil level. The roots of the plant should be shaded by planting something around the clematis, or covering with a stone. Remember though that any protection, particularly stones, will encourage slugs and snails.
If your clematis becomes root bound after a few years you could root prune it. Carefully tip the plant out of the container in its dormant period and gently cut approximately 3" of the root away. Re-pot into fresh compost and add fertilizer to encourage new growth." You'll need to think whether you want something evergreen (they really like full sun so East facing might not be enough) and what colour/type of flower you like. Give me a few clues here or look at my website. The ones I have in containers are: Petit Faucon Cartmanii Joe Pink Flamingo Fond Memories Princess Diana Heracleifolia "Purple Princess" Crystal Fountain Silver Moon Constance White Swan Purity Sunset Blue Pirouette Madame Julia Correvon Confetti Sieboldii Fusca Out of those above, a few are more specialist ones and not available at your average garden centre. If you want to look generally, an excellent clematis site is: www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/Give me a shout if I can help any further or give any suggestions  |
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Post by Plocket on Feb 19, 2008 8:19:04 GMT
Another thought Biggles - I grow aquilegias in pots. They can cope with a bit of shade (some of mine only get late afternoon sun!) I put bulbs in them for a bit of spring colour.
Heucheras are also good in containers but you have to treat them regularly for vine weevil - they love heucheras. Heucheras can also cope with a fair bit of shade.
You could also do pots of herbs - mint and parsley spring to mind.
Pots of daffodils are nice at this time of year too.
And if you want some height you could have something like bamboo or a contorted hazel.
Food for thought! ;D
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Post by Biggles on Feb 19, 2008 21:46:22 GMT
Plocket--Many thanks for your suggestions--I have 'bookmarked' this thread and also saved it in My Favorites--I had started to become despondent with this garden--never had one so small but your ideas and help are appreciated I feel a little bit more enthusiastic now--  |
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Post by Rosefriend on Feb 20, 2008 7:25:01 GMT
Well Biggs - don't become despondent - let us all help you...
My Tip - I have a large ceramic pot by the front door and I put anything seasonal in that as a sort of welcome - heathers, pansies, summer flowers and even tiny lights and Xmas decorations....
RF
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Post by Plocket on Feb 20, 2008 8:01:11 GMT
Oh don't feel despondent Biggles - if anything you should feel challenged (in a good way of course )! I always think it's harder to garden a small space because you have to think about it so much more carefully. And I would guess that everyone here has some sort of plant in a pot, so everyone "container gardens". The other thing I would suggest is that IF you have the space, you have seasonal pots, so you can change them around. For example pots of tulips for a spot that's looking rather dull at this time of year. When they are finished you could then replace them with pots of geraniums (pelargoniums!!), and put the tulips somewhere less prominent so they can sort themselves out for next year. |
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Post by Biggles on Feb 20, 2008 10:54:16 GMT
I am learning a 'New' type of gardening--Containers--I left some containers (with Acers ) behind, wished I had brought some here- I visited my ex-neighbour last week and had a 'peek' at the garden that I left--not much had altered except it didn't look as though it was being 'cared' for!! But I would say that wouldn't I? Oh well as you say this one will be a challenge--so with the help and encouragement of my friends here on GWD I will do what I can--  ----Bigs |
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Post by Plocket on Feb 20, 2008 10:55:29 GMT
If that corner is sheltered wouldn't it be ok for an acer? I must admit that I struggle with them but have a couple in the garden that are hanging in there at the moment!
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Post by Biggles on Feb 20, 2008 21:56:03 GMT
Yes Plocket I did think of an Acer--they do like it fairly sheltered and will tolerate shade. I have that on my list of 'musts'--The corner of the triangular bit would be a good position. I might buy a well-established one to give it impact! The Nursery (Family Run) I usually visit 'specialize in them so will have to wait till April/May before I get it . It is a fair distance from here and on the Moors so will wait till the weather is more settled before I drive out there--
I am still considering which Clematis to get before deciding on which one. At the moment the ground is still hard and compacted so will have to get digging and improve the soil structure before planting up.
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Post by Plocket on Feb 21, 2008 7:58:14 GMT
The ground should start warming up now Biggles - it was very mild last night (for the time of year) so I'm hoping to get some Lily of the Valley into the ground today. If you need any ideas for Clematis let me know!  |
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Post by Dutchy on Feb 21, 2008 8:41:45 GMT
Bigs as you had acer in pots before why not think big and go for them again?
I have a Canadian maple tree in a 60 liter tub. It does not grow as big as it would in free soil but it works perfectly in almost ful shade.
Other plants grow at its foot.
Hardy geraniums, a yellow digitalis lutea, some mosses and a campanula.
All selfseeded.
Containers are great for growing things in.
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Feb 21, 2008 9:27:49 GMT
I've got all sorts growing in pots! Clems (Plockets influence ), hydrangea, bay tree, topiary box, spring and summer bulbs, more clems, bamboo, banana and two large pots with obelisks that I keep for annual climbers. The list is endless Bigs, just let yourself get carried away S x |
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Post by Biggles on Feb 21, 2008 18:13:38 GMT
I am sure to be 'visiting' my Local Nursery - and Spend,Spend, Spend--with these great ideas--Bigs
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Feb 21, 2008 18:18:16 GMT
I am sure to be 'visiting' my Local Nursery - and Spend,Spend, Spend--with these great ideas--Bigs If you do visit your local nursery, you never know, if you're very lucky, you may get a substantial discount S x |
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Post by Biggles on Feb 21, 2008 18:47:12 GMT
I will definately be visiting my Loacal Nursery but it will be after 29th February! --Bigs
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Post by Biggles on Feb 21, 2008 18:48:58 GMT
I will definately be visiting my Local Nursery but it will be after 29th February! --Bigs
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Feb 21, 2008 18:50:30 GMT
I will definately be visiting my Local Nursery but it will be after 29th February! --Bigs S x |
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