Readers of this blog know that we’ve been worrying about our prize Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ that grows on a west-facing wall near the front door.
This Clematis (it’s actually at least 2 plants at this point) lost a 10″ strip of root run during the construction of our new driveway. We wondered if this would tamp down the normally abundant display of purple flowers.
We now have the answer. The pictures on this post, taken a couple of days ago, show that the floral display is somewhat diminished, but still impressive. Third party confirmation of this was provided yesterday while I was out in the front garden. A passing bicyclist shouted “Awesome Clematis!” to me as she whizzed by. A Clematis that inspires shouted drive-by compliments is still a pretty good Clematis. My soul is at peace.
Will our Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ fully recover, or even surpass, its former size and floral abundance?
This is a plant with an extensive root system, 2 feet deep or more. Are those roots spreading back into the area under the driveway, now filled with the sand and gravel that serve as a base for pavers? I like to think so. And I like to think of gradually accumulating grains of organic matter tempting those roots further outward and downwards.
In the meantime, I will pamper our recovering ‘Jackmanii’ Clematis. I will make sure its roots are thoroughly shaded. I will give it extra drinks of water, extra helpings of compost – even a bit of fertilizer (which I otherwise avoid) in the spring.
Here’s to an even bigger and better ‘Jackmanii’ next summer.
gardeninacity 
LOOKING GOOD!
Thanks!
That’s an incredible bloom, even considering the damage during construction! And a great color.
I think so, too.
Here, Here! My ‘Jackmanii’ put on a good show too but is done blooming for now, in S.Central Ohio.
You must be at least a couple of weeks ahead of us.
Do you cut back your Jack in winter or do you let it cling to it’s trellis? It sure is gorgeous. I am glad the digging all around didn’t harm it.
I cut it back in late winter – February or early March.
Thanks, I think I will do that this winter. I think mine would bloom more if it got more sun.
It still looks fabulous, Jason.
Thanks, Pat!
The average gardener like myself would be ecstatic with half these blooms. However, I certainly understand how you have been concerned about not only its survival but its blooming power. It looks like you are definitely on the road back, and just maybe it likes its beautiful new trellis as well as all your pampering. 🙂
I hope so!
It still looks stunning, Jason, and I’m sure it’ll be back to its normal size next year, especially if you’re going to be feeding and watering it! I’m glad to see it in flower, I’m as relieved as you are over it.
I appreciate the support from a fellow Clematis-lover!
It obviously loves it there!
I like to think so!
It looks splendid, as always!
Thanks!
Your soul is at peace? No way: it should be dancing a jig! What a come-back!
My knees aren’t quite up to dancing jigs.
Those are a beautiful pair of clematis! I have found moving them around hasn’t hurt ours at all.
I haven’t transplanted ours any time recently.
Hoping my new addition loves it here as much as yours does.
Good luck!
I’m with the passing cyclist “Awesome clematis!”…I enjoy seeing your clematis every year .. the colour is stunning.
It is definitely one of the summer highlights of the garden.
I was wondering how it was doing. It is beautiful.
Thanks for the photos.
You’re welcome!
I especially like it against that white wall. I’d forgotten how lovely the contrast is. Don’t forget to murmur an encouraging word to it now and then, as well as offering water and fertilizer!
I think the reflected warmth from the wall adds a lot to the vigor of this plant.
Glad it is so happy and strong. Makes a grand display.
I think so, too.
Wow! I don’t believe I’ve seen a bigger display of Jackmanii blooms! I have neglected mine and this inspires me to treat it with more care!
Perhaps yours is just waiting for some coddling!
Awesome is right! Your soul has every right to be at peace.
Thanks.
Awesome indeed and looking very healthy.
Thanks!
Fabulous show! It really has done well Jason, and if it has made such good progress this year I am sure it will be even better next!
That’s what I’m hoping!
What a beauty. It must be a neighborhood landmark. That is the new trellis you gave it? Looks great.
Yes, the new trellis has worked well.
It is a thing of great beauty!xxx
Thanks!
It’s gorgeous and your photos are lovely.
Thank you, Sara!
Jack is a hardy, hearty soul. You probably stimulated the roots and will have a house-eating monster on your hands next summer, lol! It looks great. Our deer have developed a taste for clematis, so mine is not what it could be.
Fortunately we have no deer to contend with. I hope you’re right about the Clematis coming back strong next year.
If it grows any bigger you may have to find a taller house. Amelia
We can just add an extension.