Campsis "Madam Galan"

29 Sep '06 2:25 am

I have one Campsis "Madam Galan" climbing a stand-alone pergola and another up a trellis on a south facing wall but neither have flowered since planting 18 months ago -- what am I doing wrong? The plants are very healthy and showing good strong growth, but no flowers. Comments would be appreciated. Gerry.

29 Sep '06 8:20 am

Gerry I am so sorry - and sheepishly silly - without checking a reference book I don't know what a campsis is. If they are wall climbers we need the expertise of Muddy Wellies Michael, who is probably dozing in the late summer Devon sunshine. Wake up, Muddy Wellies!

It's frustrating when flowers don't flower, and when one takes a mental note of the number of projected gardening years one has left on this earth - well, gracious, something needs to be done! I admire those mature gardeners with enough vision (and calm resignation) to plant slow growing large trees.....

There will be someone who knows, out there, though! Cheers.

29 Sep '06 5:10 pm

Dear Gerry, since I am Mediterranean in origin, I can only tell you , that this plant adores high temperatures, full sun, and very well drained soil. Under these conditions it flowers in abudance! Together with Wisteria, Campsis is one of the best loved climbers around the Mediterranean Sea! You can see a photo of Campis Grandiflora in my Corfu Islanad post in the Garden Tours section.

Personally, I have never grown this plant. But, I know, some plants need some more time to show their full potential...Just be patient...

P.S.

While I was doing my household, this added thought crossed my mind for you, and I returned to my computer: why don't you try this very beneficial gesture for your Campsis this Autumn ; to cover all the surface around her basal stem, with good mature compost. All the important nutrients of the compost will be absorbed by the plant during Winter,and it is very probable, that your Campsis performs much better during the next good season.

Campsis "Madam Galan"

Campsis "Madam Galan"

oops... hmm.....

Campsis