Clematis vine help

[Abbie79]

Before I found out clematis was on the no list for chickens I transplanted some around the run to eventually cover and provide som shade. My chickens constantly ate the leaves they could reach around the bottom until I blocked the area with chicken wire. They never had any health issues.... maybe because of the type? It's just the native non hybrid white flowering kind.
My issue is that it hasn't flowered in two years despite tremendous growth. I'm think the chicken poop run off may be an issue, but how to correct it? If it's too much nitrogen then they need phosphorous, but I also know that nitrogen is quickly used up by plants, and also evaporates etc., leading to a buildup of phosphorous in the soil. Which of these issues would cause it to stop flowering? Or am I on the wrong track completely? Hope this is the right spot for this.... I know it's more of a gardening question, but more chicken ppl garden than garden people chicken.

 

[Labradors]

I believe you are on the right track with the "too much nitrogen" idea. It would produce lush growth at the expense of flowers.

Can you divert the chicken poop run-off?

Guess the Clematis is now too big to move?

If you have a green thumb, you could take a gazillion cuttings and see if you can root them.

 

[lazy gardener]

Clematis roots very easily. I'd try relocating some of it. Also, some clematis bloom on old vines, while others bloom on new vines. If you constantly prune an old vine bloomer, or it dies back to the roots due to cold weather, you'll never get blooms. I think it likes cool roots also.

 

[Abbie79]

It does like cool roots, and it's a deep rooter. I'm in Louisiana so I keep it mulched for the roots, and water as needed. It's evergreen here so no die back issues, and it blooms profusely in summer in it's old spot without pruning (except for grooming). It's definitely not moveable. It carpets the aviary netting over the run, plus that's where I want it! Lol. I just miss the fragrant flowering that takes care of what sweet plz can't. We're in a neighborhood. Think I'll try some bone meal to balance out the nitrogen?

 

[Abbie79]

Just FYI for anyone curious... I worked bone meal into the soil around it shortly after I started this thread, and it's now LOADED with buds. There's about to be a solid white flower canopy over the chicken run!

 

[aart]

Just FYI for anyone curious... I worked bone meal into the soil around it shortly after I started this thread, and it's now LOADED with buds. There's about to be a solid white flower canopy over the chicken run!

Please post pics here when it happens!

 

[ChickenMammX4]

I know the old timers around here use lime on Clematis but I've never tried it.