Clematis ‘Violet Charm’

I seem to have a lack of talent for growing clematis – or perhaps it’s my lack of attentiveness. This is one of the first ones I I planted, and while it always comes back every year, it never seems to flourish in the way they apparently do according to photos I see in books and online. Apparently, these prefer neutral to alkaline soil, which may be a contributing factor.

Pruning group 2: Can bloom on old and new wood. These should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring when you see buds begin to swell. Cut just above fat buds.