Why is My Clematis Not Growing? Troubleshooting Tips for Healthy Vines

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Many times, they are the right plants for the right spots and do well in our climate and most of the other conditions we can give them.

However, some problems can get worse over time. To fix these problems, you’ll usually need to be able to observe them and then try to figure out what caused them.

We look at some of the most common signs that something is wrong with your Clematis plants, such as

If you have encountered one or more of the issues above, read on to learn more.

With their cascading colorful blooms, clematis vines can transform any garden or landscape. However, getting these climbing plants established and growing vigorously can be tricky. If your clematis vines are stunted, weak and not thriving, there are several common issues that may be to blame.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share the top reasons immature clematis fail to grow and practical tips to get your vines back on track. With the right troubleshooting and care, your clematis will soon be flowering happily on their trellises. Let’s get to the root of the problem!

Common Reasons Clematis Fails to Grow

Here are the most likely culprits when clematis vines languish as small, feeble plants:

  • Incorrect planting depth – Clematis crowns should be 1-2 inches below soil. Deeper planting prevents growth.

  • Insufficient light – Clematis require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, Too much shade limits vigor

  • Improper pruning – Cutting back vines incorrectly damages growth nodes, Follow proper technique

  • Underwatering – These vines need consistent moisture. Drought stunts growth.

  • Overwatering – Excess moisture damages roots and prevents nutrient absorption.

  • Poor drainage – Wet soil leads to root rot. Improve drainage before planting.

  • Early frost damage – Freezing temperatures blacken and kill new growth. Protect vines if frost threatens.

  • Pests/diseases – Powdery mildew, leaf miners and other problems weaken plants. Treat promptly.

Read on for more details on these common issues and how to resolve them. With the right adjustments, you can get your clematis to take off!

Planting Too Deep Prevents Growth

Burying the clematis crown and stem too deep during planting is one of the most common errors leading to poor growth. The crown should be just 1-2 inches below the soil surface, no deeper. Planting the vines too deeply prevents the crown from accessing sunlight and emerging properly.

To be sure clematis are planted at the proper depth:

  • Dig a hole 12-18 inches deep and wide. Partially backfill with soil.

  • Place the clematis root mass on the soil, spreading the roots outward. The crown should sit 1-2 inches below the top of the hole.

  • Backfill soil around the roots, firming it gently around the vine. Do not cover the crown more than 1-2 inches total.

  • Water thoroughly until the soil is fully moistened. Never let the roots dry out.

  • Add mulch around the base to retain moisture. Avoid piling mulch onto the crown itself.

With the crown just barely below the soil, the emerging vines will soon reach for the sun and establish themselves.

Insufficient Sunlight Results in Weak Vines

Clematis thrive best in locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade will cause them to grow leggy and limp as they desperately seek light. Here’s how to pick the optimum sunny spot:

  • Plant clematis in open gardens, against sunny walls and fences or beside structures that do not shade the vines.

  • Avoid planting under trees and shrubs that compete for sunlight. Prune overhanging branches if necessary.

  • Select positions with sun exposure from mid-morning through mid-afternoon when light is brightest. East or west-facing sites work well.

  • Move potted clematis incrementally into brighter light over 7-10 days to avoid shocking them.

Maximize sunlight by training clematis vines to grow vertically on trellises and structures. This prevents them from flopping over into shade. With abundant light, clematis will flourish.

Improper Pruning Damages Growth

Pruning clematis vines incorrectly can severely hinder their growth and vigor. Follow these guidelines to prune safely:

  • Prune clematis vines back 12-24” above soil level in early spring when buds begin to swell. Make cuts just above a leaf node.

  • Never cut into thick, old growth stems. Only prune new, thin vines down to a leaf node or bloom stalk.

  • Use sharp bypass pruners to make clean cuts that won’t crush delicate vines. Ragged cuts invite disease. Disinfect tools between plants.

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer after pruning to stimulate healthy regrowth.

With careful, proper pruning above growth nodes, your clematis will flourish and reward you with abundant colorful blooms.

Watering Issues Hobble Growth

Clematis need consistent moisture but also good drainage. Too little water leads to drought stress, while overwatering causes root rot. Follow these watering best practices:

  • Water newly planted clematis daily until established. Mature vines need deep watering 2-3 times per week in warm weather.

  • Apply 2-4 inches of water each time. Light sprinkling encourages shallow roots. Deep soakings are better.

  • Incorporate compost at planting to improve moisture retention and drainage.

  • Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture and keep roots cool.

  • Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings but not completely.

With attentive, thorough watering, you can keep clematis roots properly hydrated for vigorous growth.

Prevent Early Frost Damage

Clematis foliage and blooms are very sensitive to freezing temperatures, which damage tender new growth. Here’s how to protect them:

  • Cover vines with fabric row covers or old sheets if frost is predicted, securing the edges with rocks or stakes. Remove covers daily.

  • Provide cold frames around potted clematis, leaving the tops off during day and covering at night as needed.

  • Avoid pruning clematis in fall to maximize foliage cover. Leave spent blooms on the vines as added insulation.

  • Mulch around the base of vines to maintain warmer soil temperatures.

With simple preventative measures, you can shield your clematis from early and late frosts. Healthy vines will continue growing strongly through summer.

Treat Pest and Disease Problems Promptly

Like most plants, clematis are susceptible to issues like powdery mildew, stem rot, and pests such as earwigs, slugs, and leaf miners. These problems can severely slow or impair growth when left unchecked.

  • Identify the cause of any leaf spotting, wilting or vine dieback and treat promptly. Dispose of severely infested stems.

  • Remove slugs and snails by hand or use iron phosphate bait. Exclude earwigs with sticky bands around vine bases.

  • Prevent powdery mildew by improving air circulation and avoiding wet foliage. Treat with neem oil or potassium bicarbonate fungicides.

  • Disinfect tools between plants when pruning or training vines to limit disease spread.

With vigilant prevention and early intervention, you can keep clematis problems at bay and vines growing healthily.

Ensure Adequate Drainage

Clematis hate sitting in waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot and other problems that stunt plants. Here are some tips for improving drainage:

  • Incorporate sand, small gravel or perlite into dense native soil before planting to improve drainage.

  • Build raised beds filled with amended potting mix to plant clematis if drainage is very poor.

  • Plant clematis in containers with drainage holes using a quality potting mix.

  • Top dress pots and in-ground plantings with fine gravel to prevent surface puddling.

Excellent drainage is one of the keys to keeping clematis roots happy and vegetation lush and vigorous.

Troubleshoot Other Less Common Issues

The problems above cause the majority of non-thriving clematis vines, but here are a few other factors that could sometimes be the culprit:

  • Insufficient fertilizer – Clematis are heavy feeders. Apply time-release or liquid plant food regularly.

  • Damaged root system – Accidental root damage during planting can set vines back. Handle roots carefully.

  • Herbicide damage – Drift from nearby weed-killer applications can stunt and distort growth. Avoid herbicide use nearby.

  • Harsh winter damage – Extreme cold may kill new vines back to the ground. Mulch roots in winter and prune any dead stems in spring.

  • Rodent damage – Rabbits, voles and deer nibbling on new growth slows establishment. Use physical barriers to protect young vines.

Be Patient – Establishment Takes Time

Finally, remember that getting clematis established and growing to their full size and vigor takes patience and time. Allow 1-2 years for most young vines to mature and fulfill their flowering potential. With attentive care and troubleshooting, they will eventually take off and reward you with stunning blooms.

Follow the guidance in this article to identify and resolve any issues impeding your clematis growth. A bit of diligent attention to their needs for sun, water, pruning, and pest prevention goes a long way. Before you know it, those languishing little vines will rocket up their supports and put on a glorious floral display year after year. Never give up on a struggling clematis until you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips above – they really work!

Leaves With Holes In Them

Several types of bugs can be to blame for holes in your clematis trees’ leaves.

These plants are eaten by many species, such as slugs and snails, earwigs, and a number of moth caterpillars.

“I would say that slug damage to the new shoots in the spring is the most common problem,” says Marcel Floyd, owner of Floyd’s Climbers and Clematis.

Capsid bugs might be the cause of young leaves with torn edges and small holes with brown edges.

Improve the variety of life in your garden because natural predators are often the best way to get rid of pests.

Leaves Coated With Grey Growth

One of the most common problems experienced when growing clematis is powdery mildew.

This is a fungal problem which causes a whitish-grey, dusty coating to appear on leaves, stems and flowers.

Clematis is one of many plants that can get powdery mildews. A mild infection might not do too much damage, but a severe one can severely limit the plant’s growth and vigor.

“Powdery mildew can be a problem, especially with clematis that has just been planted,” says Thorncroft Clematis owner Peter Skeggs-Gooch.

“This happens because the plant’s roots can’t support all the new growth at the top. This can be fixed by cutting the plant back by up to half and giving it lots of water.”

“Add Epsom Salts to the water once every couple of weeks for 1 month to improve plant health.”

As was already said, quickly cut off any shoots that are infected to stop the problem from spreading. Also, pick up and properly throw away any fallen leaves to lower the number of contagious spores in the area.

“Too much shade and poor airflow can make the problem worse. Plants can also be stressed for many reasons, such as not having enough room for their large roots,” says Peter.

Plant Clematis Correctly – And Some Common Myths About Planting Clematis Vines

Why do Clematis not grow?

One of the main reasons why Clematis do not grow is due to water, usually, the problem is the lack of water, rather than overwatering. Clematis have relatively shallow roots, and they need to have their roots moist to grow properly. If the soil around the roots is allowed to completely dry out, then the roots will also dry out.

Are Clematis easy to grow?

Clematis is one of the most popular climbing plants, its showy flowers giving an eye-catching display. It is usually an easy plant to grow, but can have an aura of mystery surrounding two items in particular: first, when and how to prune the plant, and second, a problem of shoots wilting and dying back.

Why does my clematis wilt?

In container plants, roots may be damaged by vine weevil grubs. Overwatering or waterlogging due to using too large a container or having poor drainage can also lead to roots rotting. Sometimes, a clematis may also have shoots that wilt and die back at the tips when the soil or growing medium is too dry and hot.

Do Clematis need to be pruned?

Group 1: These bloom on old wood, so you only need to prune out dead or damaged stems. If you need to prune for another reason, do it after they bloom. Group 1 clematis bloom very early. Group 2: These are probably the most common kind of clematis and the ones people think of first.

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