April 2025 Meeting Report:

The 3rd April meeting welcomed Marcel Floyd A Specialist in Clematis and Climbing Plants since 1992.

Marcel commenced with an open forum followed by a slide show. He first fell ‘in love’ with clematis at the 1984 Chelsea Flower Show when he was 17 / 18! By the end of that year he had between 80 and 90 growing in his parents’ garden. First clematis in the UK was in the 1500s! They are divided into 3 main groups:

Group 1: Spring flowering. These only require pruning to keep them in their allocated space. Prune after flowering.

Group 2: Repeat flowering. Prune at the end of February / early March.

Group 3: Autumn flowering. Chop off at the base at the end of February. If one chooses not to prune all the flowers will be at the very top of the plant.

If a condition called ‘slime flux’ affects clematis, clear it off as soon as possible. It is commonly pink in colour and as the name implies, slimy! Clematis should be planted in a hole 18” x 18” at least 18” from fence. Lean the support back to the fence. Fill the hold with water and wait until all drained away then part fill with a layer of compost and grit then water again. Once planted surround with a good layer of grit to provide shade. Plants in green sand will require frequent feeding. If planting in clay soil, dig as big a hole as possible and part fill with several layers of compost and grit.

Feed plants with a good quality feed or Tomorite once per fortnight and there is no need to deadhead.

Containers: if planting in containers aim to use Fibre clay or terracotta frost free pots. Use plenty of crocks, John Innes 3 compost, add some Fish, Blood and Bone Meal and grit. Feed once a week.

Growing up Trees: always plant on the North side ie: away from the sun. Cut the end of a plastic water bottle and sink by the roots of the plant to ensure the clematis receives the water and to prevent the host tree taking the water! The Viticella group of plants are good for this type of growing.

Problems: Mildew, often caused by dryness at the base. Spray with diluted semi-skimmed milk!

Wilt, when the whole plant collapses, cut down completely for 2 – 3 years. If no success by 3rd year throw onto the compost heap. You never know you may end up with a very pretty compost heap just like my friend! It is acceptable to plant a new clematis where one has previously been grown.

Slugs and Snails, one remedy is to form a circle around the plant taking care not to go too near the main stem, with porridge oats, yes porridge oats!

Cuttings: take intermodal cuttings, place in a mix of 50% each of perlite and peat and place a plastic bag over the top.

The above was followed by a slide show of a large variety of clematis.

Jacky