Protecting Clematis from pests and diseases that can destroy them

When clematis plants are not cared for properly they will become prone to diseases and pest infestations.

Pests

Clematis are generally pest resistant, having only a few known predators. Pests that attack include slugs, snails, aphids and ear wings.

Slugs and snails

These pests may consume the whole plant if they are not checked in time. Snail infestations occur after rain and they do not normally attack the clematis plants during hot, sunny weather.

Snails and slugs can be collected in the in the morning and evening, or alternatively be controlled using beer traps. Plastic containers are buried in the soil and filled with beer which produces a scent that attracts the slugs and snails.

The snailsand slugs fall into the container and eventually drown to death. Slug pallets can also be used but they must be kept away from pets and children. The dead snail and slugs should then be removed from the garden immediately before they are eaten by birds.

Ear wings

These nocturnal predators consume the soft leaves, flowers and buds of the clematis. You can use a touch to flash them out at night and in the early morning. They normally hide under planks of wood, pieces of bark and under the flowerpots close to damaged plants.

Aphids

They are seen on the underside of delicate leaves and on the young shoots. The aphids should be washed off with water or sprayed with a biological soap solution. If they are highly concentrated in an area- spray them with an agent containing pyrethrum although care must be taken as it will also kill useful insects, bees and fish.

Clematis diseases

Diseases that normally attack clematis include powdery mildew, grey mould and clematis wilt.

Clematis wilt

This dreadful disease almost led to the extinction of the clematis plant. The clematis leaves and flowers hang limply and after a few days the shoots will wilt and become brown. Clematis wilt is caused by funguses which attack the plant above the surface of the soil. The fungus prevents water and sap from being absorbed by the plant.

Clematis wilt is very dangerous because its effects are irreversible. You should cut off the shoots right down to ground level. The cut offs should be burned immediately to prevent further spread. Fungicidal chemical sprays can be used every month following usage does specified by the manufacturer.

Powdery mildew

It coats part of the plant with a whitish film

Grey mould

This forms a brownish-grey film on leaves stalks and flowers. Parts of the flower infected with grey mould should be removed and destroyed.

Handling plant protection agents

  • Do not use highly toxic agents.

  • Stick to the manufacturer's instructions and stick to the doses.

  • Wear rubber gloves do not eat, drink or smoke while using the sprays because this leads to accidental inhalation.

  • Spray the chemical agents on calm days to prevent the agents from being blown away

  • Plant protection agents must be stored in there original packaging and should be kept far from pets and children.

  • Discard all packaging that will have been used up already.