Question
Dear Tom,

I have Montana Rubens clematis in my front garden in England which is growing well over some bushes. The clematis is about 5 years old but is producing little flowering. This Spring there was probably only about 10 flowers. Occsasionally I have kept the clematis under control my cutting some shoots to prevent it extending into the next garden but there is still extensive growth.

Is there any way please I can improve the flowering? I know this type of clematis is normally one of the best species for flowering.

Thank you

Brent

Answer
Hi Brent,
Thanx for your question. If you are feeding your clematis, don't use any fertilizers high in nitrogen.  If lawn fertilizers (high in nitrogen) are leaching into the ground where the clematis is growing this can inhibit blooming and result in nothing but foliage.  Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer such as bulb or tomato fertilizer or Rose Tone (if that is available.).  Do this in the spring and then in the summer.  If you need to prune, do so right after blooming.  Blooms come on old wood so be careful how much old wood you prune.

For more information apropriate for your area and a reference closer to home, I urge you to contact the British Clematis Society.

http://www.britishclematis.org.uk/

I hope this helps.
Tom