Newly planted clematis drooping?

[BewareTheBeardedDragon]

I have a newly planted clematis - I don't know what type it is but it's got buds on now. It's beside a fence and gets a good few hours of direct sunlight later in the afternoon but is otherwise shaded. When it gets tall enough it head will be in sun (assuming it survives...)

I have given it plenty of deep drinks but it still doesn't perk up. Might it be because it's in too much shade?

You are not going to like some of this advice, but sorry!

Take all the flower buds off, you want your clematis to put its energy into making new roots not flowers and seeds . It could well produce more flowers later in the season, but for now it is the roots that count.

How deep did you plant it? You should usually plant clematis very slightly deeper than their currant depth.

Did you add any organic matter into the hole? I usually dig the hole bigger than the pot, , add some good compost, fill the hole to the top with water, allow the water to drain ,fill it up again,allow it to drain then gently tease the rootball a bit before planting and watering in. Then put some mulch on top, that way the roots are encouraged to explore and have enough water, if it hasnt rained for a bit the soil will be dry. I see you put some stones which is a good thing as they like a cool root run.

Ok - thanks. I did add compost to the hole, and it is planted in an area where I did trench composting last year so I hope it's fairly decent soil now. The other things I've put there have been happy.

I will happily remove the flower buds if that gives it a better chance of survival long term.

I did plant it deeper because I knew that about clematis, and also with a slight depression around it to catch rain, but I wonder if i should dump a lot more compost over it in case the roots are getting to hot in the afternoon? I thought it'd be ok because of being on the shady side of the fence, but the sun is pretty harsh when it does come round.

If I do these things and keep on watering hugely is it likely to improve? I'm not at all keen on digging it up and replanting it in a larger hole, though I can if I have to...

*too

Are those new shoots definitely droopy or flexible because they're unfurling? They don't look like they have much to twine around.

They're definitely droopy sadly. When it first went in they were firm and perky, all pointing upwards, now they look like this. I have a clematis elsewhere which is just starting its new seasons growth, which also has nothing close to cling to (it has to travel a foot before reaching the trellis), and the shoots are not floppy like these ones are.

Does your fence just sit on the ground? It looks a bit close to the fence.

My professional gardener friend told me they should always be 12-18 inches from a fence or wall, to give them space to grow nice big roots.

Thanks - the fence is above ground only

I have added a good covering of compost this morning and cut off all the flowers. Fingers crossed 🤞

It’s worth reading the RHS advice on clematis wilt. They have suggestions for what to try if it isn’t caused by fungal disease.

Might it be because it's in too much shade?

It's more likely to be not enough shade! The roots really do need to be protected, heat will also be radiating back onto it from the fence behind. Put something big and shady in front of it to really keep the roots shady and cool.

It could also be slug and snail damage, some of them are tiny and can really damage to small shoots right at the base.

My newly planted clematis died last year, with similar position to yours. I was subsequently told I should have shielded the roots (rocks around where roots are?) Also clematis roots are shallow and spreading, so make sure they have room to do so. Hope your plant fares better than mine.