A clematis that I have that has been established for several years came up this spring, climbed the trellis, had loads of buds, and then wilted and died. All but one small piece that still looks alive and healthy, with buds but hasn't yet bloomed. I checked to see if some critter had severed the vines at the ground, but they were still attached to roots. I decided it probably is a wilt disease, such as Verticillium, but I am surprised that any of the plant has survived, if it is a wilt. So, my questions are:
Is this likely a wilt problem? And if so, what, if anything, can I do to prepare the ground to accept another vine? Are there any vines that are wilt resistant, grow in zone 4a, that I might consider for a replacement? For now, I thought I would see what happens with the piece that survives.
Thanks for any ideas.
Susan in Minneapolis, MN
clematis wilt
I have about 20 clematis and have had similar problems. I have found that after removing the effected vines and leaves, the plant can bounce back and actually thrive. I have not lost one to date. Good luck!
Susan: It sounds like Clematis Wilt that affects mainly Group 2 Clematis. Viticella Clematis, Group 3, are resistant to Clematis Wilt. I would suggest choosing one from that group.