Keep your Clematis roots cool.

I have lots of Clematis, and in this heat, the ones that are in the open are really struggling.
Clematis like their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade, so I've planted Rosemary & Thyme
bushes at the base to help keep the roots shaded. I'll let you know if they do better.  

Hi Inkflo
I come from a long line of estate gardeners and as a young lad (Befor joining Army) the head gardener ( my dad ) always use to plant clemetis with the roots in the shade and the rest of the plant in direct sun light. Failing that they use to put old roof slates around the base of the plant to cover the roots from direct sunlight. Also in this heat you may have to water young plants twice a day. Happy gardening.
Simmo in the Correze.

simmo wrote:Hi Inkflo
I come from a long line of estate gardeners and as a young lad (Befor joining Army) the head gardener ( my dad ) always use to plant clemetis with the roots in the shade and the rest of the plant in direct sun light. Failing that they use to put old roof slates around the base of the plant to cover the roots from direct sunlight. Also in this heat you may have to water young plants twice a day. Happy gardening.
Simmo in the Correze.

I agree Simmo, but old slates aren't the prettiest are they, so I've opted for the plants. Fingers crossed.
I quite like my feet in cool water this weather too!  

I was always taught to put a flat piece of stone over the roots of clematis when planting them, to stop them drying out. Seems like it was good advice.