soil lacking in something

[mooky]

I have a large pot by my front door; It contains honeysuckle, clematis, and sweetpea. This year they are all growing very pale lime coloured leaves. I realise the soil is lacking in a nutrient but what? It hasn't stopped the clematis from fmowering, but I want it to be fed properly, any ideas please.

[Pierre ZFP]

Are these plants in the same pot and soil from last year?  If so, they could well be pot-bound.  that is too many roots and not enough soil and what soil there is, is exhausted.  Just feeding will not solve the problem as you just get a harmful buildup of salts and the leaves will turn brown.  Sounds like you might need to take the plants out of the pot, thin if necessary (or bigger pot) and re-pot with fresh soil and then you can feed.  The addition of chicken poo works wonders too, or horse poo, as long as it has overwintered - fresh poo can scorch the roots, and maybe pong a bit since it's near your door.