In article , Charlie
Pridham writes


I don't know the answer to the question, I'm afraid, except that, with a
bit of luck, there might be more buds below the surface of the compost,
which might sprout.

I'm interested in the hardiness of C. sieboldii generally as well. On
Rachel Sullivan's excellent website, (http://www.ukclematis.co.uk) she
says that Clematis florida 'Sieboldii' needs a "very sheltered
site/conservatory". In one or two other places I've looked it doesn't
specify so much protection, but obviously your experiences too suggest
that it's susceptible.

I wonder whether Rachel or anyone else can comment more fully? My baby
plant is standing outside at the moment and seems to have survived
recent frosts.

Janet G

Hopefully Rachel will spot this thread because I gave up growing this
variety, It is not frost tender as such but seems a lot les robust than
other clematis and I would concur with the grow in Shelter advice. growing
in a pot is fine and I would expect it to reshoot from below ground. In the
mean time remove all dead and dying bits.


Sorry peeps - better late than never. It's That Time Of Year and I have
disappeared under thousands of clematis. waves vigorously

Sieboldii (and its double friend, alba plena) - I find them both weak
growing but stunning. I am convinced that buying a good sized strong
plant, enjoying the months of flowers & then accepting that it's not
likely to make it through the winter is the best thing to do with this.
It's just a weak grower and even if it makes it through one winter it
often doesn't survive the next (outside that is).

Conservatory/greenhouse is the best place for it which is how we keep
ours (outside in summer). The one I forgot about and left in the
unheated tunnel all winter is very sad now even though it was a big
strong plant in a 4 litre pot.

It doesn't mean it's not worth growing - if you compare the cost with,
say, a huge bunch of flowers, it's worth it for the pleasure they give -
our big plants last year flowered from June to September. Malcolm
Oviatt-Ham, (clematis growing friend) says he saw it growing wild in the
southern islands of Japan (my geography is weak) where it flourished
like the montanas do here. I think we're just a bit too northern (even
down south). I certainly wish advertisers were more honest with this
plant. Ever year you see it in magazines and never a word about it's
weak constitution.

Re. the one that got frosted - hope for shoots underneath & give it
time. It's early yet for a seiboldii and although the weather is
lovely, the light levels aren't the same as they are in May - and that
makes a huge difference to growth.

We must love it despite the challenges - siboldii was introduced in the
1830's, and alba plena in the 1770's.

--
Rachel