Its delicate and almost fragile appearance can be deceptive, because the clematis is often quite robust and strong-willed. But under certain conditions it can happen that it disappears literally overnight. What could be behind it?
Why can the clematis die?
Clematis can be affected by diseases such asClematis wilt,pest damage,Overfertilizationanddroughtness. More rarely, excessive frost or other causes are behind it. If the climbing plant dies above ground, it can sprout again the following year.
What is the most common cause of clematis dying?
TheClematis wilt often plagues the clematis and causes it to die within a few days to weeks. Among the two forms of clematis wilt, Phoma clematis wilt occurs more frequently. It can be recognized by leaf spots. The leaves of the clematis turn brown and soon begin to wilt until they eventually fall off. The symptoms are caused by a fungal pathogen called Ascochyta clematidina. It clogs the clematis's ducts, causing the above-ground parts of the plant to die.
How does incorrect care cause clematis to die?
If the clematis has beenoverfertilizedor toowatered little, it also tends to die. This climbing plant does need fertilizer to bloom prolifically. But too much overwhelms them and causes the plant's tissue to dry out until it eventually dies. When watering, it is important to ensure that the clematis soil does not dry out. Ideally, the soil should be mulched.
Which pests can contribute to the decline of clematis?
Pests likeSnails,Aphids,Caterpillars,Volesand theClematis fly can cause the clematis to die. However, not all of these pests on clematis leave visible traces. The voles, for example, eat the roots, whereupon the plant dies above ground. If you notice visibly eroded traces on the clematis, it is probably the work of snails. Pests such as aphids like to be found on the tips of the shoots and on the underside of the leaves of the clematis.
When could the clematis sprout again?
As long as the roots of the clematis are not damaged, it can sprout again after it dies above ground innext spring. However, if a disease occurs in the form of clematis wilt, it may take two to three years for the clematis to recover and sprout again.
How can clematis be prevented from dying?
The success of the clematis is determined by the correctchoice of location, appropriatecareand regularchecksthe climbing plant is prevented. The following aspects, among others, should be taken into account:
- Create drainage when planting
- Loosen the soil thoroughly when planting
- Mulch or underplant the root area
- choose an airy location
- fertilize and water regularly
- do not water the leaves
- work with a clean cutting tool
Are there any clematis that are more likely to die than others?
Especially thelarge-flowered hybridsamong the clematis as well as the clematisviticellaand clematisintegrifolia tend to shrink because they are generally less robust and resilient.
Tip
The clematis shrinks with the best care
If the clematis suddenly dies and wilts, even with the best care, it is usually clematis wilt that is behind it. This disease can kill the entire above-ground plant within two weeks. Fungicides help to get rid of this fungal disease.
