Birds & Blooms

No-Grow Clematis

I planted a clematis vine last year that bloomed beautifully. Since then, it hasn't grown another inch! Did I do something wrong? —Edythe Gieseker, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Melinda:

Your new clematis may have spent the summer putting down roots for the future. New plants often expend their energy building a supportive underground structure the first season or two. Once the plant is somewhat established, more energy is spent on aboveground growth and flowers. So patience is the answer.