Topic: CLEMATIS

[tim]

Clematis are remarkably free from pests
There are no specific clematis pests
Clematis can be affected by many pests
Clematis have four major pests: Slugs, Aphids, Thrip, and Spider Mites

OH??

Mine are eaten in the bud every year - never see anything. Ideas??

[Palustris]

The only thing I can think of, which eats flowers is the earwig. Have you tried putting the upturned pot of straw near the plants and seeing what you find in them?
We were at a National Trust property the other day and all their clematis had earwig traps next to them.

[nippie]

I wondered why my clematis withered and died each year for no apparent reason.
Then I discovered a hedgehog in the garden and realised my clematis was on his route into next doors garden as he/she squeezed under the trellis. I have now moved the clematis and it is flourishing this year. ;D

[saddad]

Slugs sometimes go for flower buds as a tender dessert option, gourmet slugs of course!
 ;D

[tim]

Eric - I reckon you could be right - I'll try - very decorative!!

dad - I don't think so - in a 2'6" container with Vaseline all around the lip.

[Obelixx]

If the slug's already in the pot the vaseline won't help.  Try inspecting by torch light after dark.  My worst clem munchers are slugs and they can get surprisingly high.

[tim]

Point taken. But me up after dark?? Another joker!!