My Clematis Romantika has now reached a height of 2 metres, and looks healthy and happy... except for the top 4 inches of the highest vines. Two of them now have wilted. One of them I pruned back to below the start of the wilt, and while it is now not wilted, it hasn't grown at all. Now a second has wilted... What causes this to happen and how can I combat it.?
I am no expert, but this happened with one of my younger clematises (2nd year) and happened fast...before I could save it. I googled and it said to cut the vine at the soil line (if you can save yours by just cutting the top part, all the better) and I put down fungicide to kill the fungus that causes it. I am HOPING that it will come back next year, which I read is somewhat likely. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I have several other clems that did great this year (also same age and 2 that are a year older). One of the reasons for clematis wilt was poor drainage. I suspect that MIGHT be the case in this area?? which is sad because my husband built/installed a huge trellis. So my answer now is to fill it with morning glories this year and wait and see. I hesitate to plant other clematises that I purchased in that area now.
Here's an on line article you might find helpful
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/c
ankers/clematis-wilt.aspx
Thank you. I ended up cutting the top 4 inches off before the wilt spread any further downwards. Now I have 2 stalks that are not flowering or growing, while the rest carries on at a more sedate pace. I'll certainly be looking for a fungicide for it though, before it happens again, and I lose the whole plant.
And the link didn't work. :( It took me to an error page.
This message was edited Jul 28, 2016 7:25 AM
