Clematis heaving out of the ground?

9 years ago

Hi. I have a 4 year old Jackmanii clem that has begun to heave out of the ground! At the base of the plant, there's a small portion (about 1 inch) of roots showing. I know it was planted deep enough (2 ft. deep), and I do mulch it in the winter, but it seems our weather here in the Chicago area hasn't helped matters. Warm days, then freezing nights, then warm rainy days with warm nights...then another freeze! (Even my lilac is confused...it's already setting buds.)

This clem had some roots showing this past summer, but that didn't seem to affect its blooming..it bloomed like crazy well into the end of September. Maybe because the roots are shaded by perennials? My question: Is there anything I can do, aside from digging up this clem and replanting even deeper...to remedy the situation?
I've included a photo...it's a beautiful plant, and I wouldn't want to lose it.
Any suggestions?

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Comments (8)

Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
9 years ago
Hi Lismari. How strange... I would try putting soil around the base of the clematis if it was me before digging it up.

I'd probably put something like bricks around it to keep the soil from washing away with snow/rain/etc. It's a gorgeous clematis... hopefully most of the roots are deep enough that the ones on top exposed won't hurt it but I'd be worried and try to cover them myself. Definitely adding this one to my wishlist for next year now! Good luck. Hope it survives for you.

Michaela
lismari
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, Michaela. I have piled soil around the base. I am thinking of building a terraced garden there...my clematis would be on the first (highest) level. I'm hoping that might do the trick!
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Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
9 years ago
That sounds really pretty! I hope it does the trick for you! You have convinced me to add this one to my garden this year if I can find one! :)

Michaela
lismari
Original Author
9 years ago
Michaela, Jackmanii clematis are so easy to find. They are what most people think of when they hear the word "clematis". Just enter "Jackmanii clematis" in your search engine, and you'll find plenty of vendors.
I also have a Jackmanii "Superba", which is supposed to be an improved version of the old Jack. A picture is attached. You won't regret buying one..they are beautiful!
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
9 years ago
What a beautiful clematis lismari! I don't think I will regret adding this one to my garden.

I actually just reached out to one of the local gardening centers here and they will have them this spring for $9.00 so I am set to get one (or maybe even two) We have a lot of local places that carry them so I've been trying to shop locally so I can pick them out and make sure they are healthy when possible!

I've found that lots of the clematis I've purchased online have been very tiny and so I'm looking for ones that have a little healthier, larger plants with better roots when I can't shop locally!

Michaela
lismari
Original Author
9 years ago
That's great! Good luck on your gardening adventures, Michaela!
purslanegarden
9 years ago
Glad to hear things are going well for you and the clematis.

I wonder if what you saw was that the stems near the ground were forming roots? Clematis cuttings can be rooted so it makes me think that maybe those bottom sections of the stems were probably doing that, too.
lismari (zone 5)
9 years ago
Oh! I guess that could be possible. Never thought of that. Thanks so much!