It's not just mildew and the dreaded clematis wilt that can make the life of an otherwise beautifully blooming clematis difficult. There are also some pests that can harm this climbing plant. Below you can read what these could be.
Which animals can be behind feeding marks on the clematis?
Most of the time there aresnailsbehind feeding marks on the clematis. However,insects such as aphids, caterpillars, the clematis fly, earwigs and the larvae of the leaf miner can also be the culprits. Birds and voles rarely eat clematis.
Does the clematis suffer significant damage if it has been eaten?
The clematisdoes damage if it is eaten away. This robs it of a lot of energy, especially in the fresh shoots. For example, if it has been eaten down to the base, it will take about two to three weeks until it sprouts again.
Do snails like to eat clematis?
Snails and especially slugs eat clematisvery fondly and are considered the greatest enemies of this climbing plant. The snails are particularly greedy for the leaves of the clematis. If they are the cause behind the feeding marks, it is best to go hunting in the evening armed with a flashlight and look for the snails. Collect them from the clematis and move them to a sufficiently distant location.
Which insects occasionally eat clematis?
Among the insects, the most important areCaterpillars,Earwigs,Aphids,miner fliesand theclematis fly as important pests of clematis. While caterpillars primarily feast on the leaves and flowers, earwigs usually target the flower buds. The leaf miners lay their eggs on the clematis and their larvae eat their way through the leaves. The inside of the buds, however, is eaten by the clematis fly. It appears noticeably frequently on the otherwise robust Clematis viticella.
How can aphid damage to clematis be reduced?
Infestation by lice on the clematis can be specifically reducedby beneficial insects such as ladybirds, parasitic wasps and lacewings. As soon as you see ants on the clematis, you should pay attention and examine the plant for aphids.
What other pests eat clematis?
In addition to snails and insects,birdsandvoles can also feast on the clematis. The voles are particularly insidious because they cannot be seen due to their underground activity and eat away at the roots of the clematis.
What can I do if the clematis has been eaten?
To avoid further damage, you should try toidentifythetracesand search for thepestsIn addition, it makes sense to strengthen the eaten clematis. Nematodes in irrigation water can also help eliminate some pests. You can fight aphids on clematis with soapy water.
Tip
Give time and keep an eye on care
Give your eaten clematis time. Even if it has been heavily eaten away, it will most likely sprout again as long as its roots are he althy. Water it sufficiently and, if necessary, give it fertilizer to support sprouting.
