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Clematis Wilt, is not the only cause of Clematis suddenly
wilting and dying from the top down. Clematis can soon wilt with
disastrous consequences simply from slug or other damage to the lower
stems. Sometimes it is the whole plant, sometimes just a few stems.
True Clematis Wilt is a fungal disease (Phoma
Clematidina) which can find its way into the plant - after stem damage
by other causes. It is very quick to take hold, and a seemingly healthy
plant one day, can turn into a drooping specimen the next - thereafter
with the foliage dying off and a quick descent into death! Quick action
by way of cutting out all of the affected stems, and burn them
immediately. If this means cutting the Clematis right down to ground
level or just above - so be it. The plant will normally respond to this
drastic action. It can further be helped with an application of Tomato
Feed - or any other general fertilizer.
Clematis Wilt can happen quite soon after initial
planting - as a result of some damage or other in the handling of the
plant prior to, or at the time of planting. So, care in transportation
is quite important - as is care when planting not to damage any stem
tissue. (When trying to unravel plants at a garden centre, always make
sure to hold the pot, and not simply pick the plant up by its cane
and/or stems. Care is also needed with established plants - especially
when forking around or near an established Clematis. Firm support to
stop the plant rocking about in the wind is another measure that can be
taken to try to avoid this disease.
When you initially plant your Clematis, make sure that
you plant it 4-6in (100-150mm) deeper than the soil level in the pot. If
an attack of wilt then takes place at sometime in the future, there is a
good chance of the Clematis shooting up from new buds just under the
soil.
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