It happened slowly and almost unnoticed. As the months went by, the once lush clematis became increasingly bare. Will it stay like this or is it possible to make it green again from below?
What measure prevents the clematis from becoming bald from below?
If it is a natural and age-related balding of the clematis, this can be counteracted bystrong pruning. To do this, the clematis is cut down to 20 cm above the ground in late autumn. This should usually be done about every four years.
Why do clematis grow bald at the bottom?
Usually clematis become bald withincreasing ageand often also withlack of care from below. Over the years they become increasingly woody and the old wood has neither leaves nor flowers. The flourishing life, on the other hand, takes place more on the upper floors.
Can natural balding of clematis be prevented?
Natural balding of the clematiscan be prevented by regularly pruning this climbing plant more heavily. This is useful on average about every four years and should depend on the respective type of clematis. The cut acts like a rejuvenation treatment for the clematis. She then goes on again. To make this easier, it is advisable to fertilize and water the clematis sufficiently. However, be sure to avoid waterlogging.
When does such a rejuvenation cut of the clematis take place?
The time when the clematis is cut backdepends onthe respectivetypeor thecutting groupBasically, the majority of clematis that require pruning should receive a rejuvenation pruning in late autumn. Early-flowering clematis can be cut after flowering.
How is clematis rejuvenated?
To rejuvenate the clematis, simply grab a sharp and clean pair of secateurs and cut all the shoots of the clematis down to about20 cm above the ground.
Can clematis become bald due to diseases?
A clematiscanalso in the course of theclematis wiltin the lower areabeaked. The lower leaves usually fall off first due to clematis wilting. Previously they are spotty and wilted. The climbing plant becomes increasingly bare and eventually dies.
Which pests cause clematis to become bald?
Snails,CaterpillarsandBirds can eat a clematis bare from below. Look for signs of feeding to determine whether there is actually a pest behind the shedding!
How is it possible to conceal bald clematis?
A clematis that is bare underneath can be concealed by planting under it. To do this, plant the clematis with perennials, grasses or herbs that do not grow higher than 50 cm. This actually benefits the clematis as it likes shade in the lower area.
Tip
Create space for new growth
In addition to radical pruning, it is advisable to regularly cut away old, dried out and diseased clematis shoots. This creates space for new growth from the root area.
