Should I remove this (dead)? Clematis?

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Hi all, this is a clematis montana (I think) that was planted just this year, It appeared to grow in the early part of the summer and then just stopped. It never flowered or appeared to have any flower buds, I am thinking now of just digging it up and totally removing it - Now I have included a photo also of what appears to be a very slimey substance at the roots of this plant? I don't know what it is but it looks horrible...and I wonder if it had an effect on this clematis.
(I did plant the clematis fairly deeply as suggested to avoid wilt) - So should I just leave or remove and plant something totally different?
Any suggestions welcome.

James Kilkelly · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 1:40 pm Post subject:

I'm not able to make out any of the slime you mention in either of the two pics bluebelldell.
Here's what I would do however......
I'd leave the plant in situ until next spring.
If it does not pop buds ,leaf, and new growth at about the same time as all the other spring leafing deciduous plants then I would remove it.
You will have given it a chance to redeem itself whilst still allowing yourself time to replant for the new year.

medieval knievel · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 6:22 pm Post subject:

i've seen a clematis we planted which subsequently 'died' come back the following year. i'd follow james's advice above.

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Thanks for replies,
I'm not going to be doing much over the winter in that area so it's no problem to leave it and see what happens. As for the slimey bits I just scraped them off the ground and bagged it for the bin.
Interesting to see how this plant fares over winter.
thanks again

Greengage · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:10 pm Post subject:

The slimy bits could be from snails under the rock.
I would cut it back hard next spring and wait to see what happens. A friend planted one once and her husband cut it with a strimmer, He had not the heart to admit what he done so he stuck it into the ground hoping she wouldnt notice. When it died he acted as suprised as his wife and wondered what happened. It had a happy ending as it sprouted from the bottom the following spring. (Chicken )