STRUGGLING ARCTIC QUEEN

In an earlier post I mentioned that I had had to transplant my clematis 'Arctic Queen'.  I thought the winter months of late 2010 and early 2011 had killed it off and then it started to show tiny shoots which were promptly leapt upon by ravenous slugs.  I dug up Arctic Queen and transplanted it into a terracotta pot and placed it next to my garden shed, behind the swing, where the clematis got more sun and more protection from the weather.  Despite such a rough start to the year, Arctic Queen has valiantly clambered up the shed and has been trying, rather in vane, to flower.  Even so, it has managed to produce one small bloom, albeit rather deformed and very unlike the ones produced in 2011. 



Struggling Arctic Queen Sept 2012

 

Before the frost comes, I plan to protect the terracotta pot against sub-zero temperatures with either bubblewrap or garden fleece - anything to give the poor plant a chance next year. 

Arctic Queen buds Sept 2012

I put flat stones over the roots.  Not sure of what my intention really was but I had it in my head that rocks might protect the roots from the sun, hold in some warmth when it is cold, and hopefully the slugs will break their necks tripping over them!  :D