Veseys

Gardeners’ Forum: “Clematis”

• Clematis

  Posted by Sheila Eldridge on Monday, July 27, 2009 2:15 PM ADT

  Hi: I planted a clematis last spring and this year it took off and grew tall but only a couple of buds that fell off without blooming. Something is eating the ends where the new growth is; can't see any bugs. What can I do?

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Melissa on Monday, July 27, 2009 3:03 PM ADT

    Hi Sheila, You need to determine what is eating the Clematis so that you can fight the pests properly. If you can't see any bugs, it's most likely because they are doing the damage at night. Go out well after dark with a flashlight to catch them in the act. I suspect earwigs. The good news is that your Clematis will probably come back next spring for you.

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Sheila Eldridge on Monday, July 27, 2009 7:56 PM ADT

    Hi: Thanks for the input; I found out what I think is the culprit. . . ANTS; can I use raid or ant killer on the vine where it is quite delicate or do you have another suggestions.

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Melissa on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 9:29 AM ADT

    From what I have read, ants don't actually eat Clematis. When you see ants on clematis they are usually eating aphids. The aphids are tiny and green to match the plant so they can be hard to see. Either way, ants or ahids, soap and water will kill them. You can purchase Safer's Soap (Veseys number 85420). I wouldn't advise using raid or anything like that on your Clematis.

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by lorraine on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:27 PM ADT

    Am having same prob. Beautiful blooms last year, no bloom this year. Have to wait til next year. Also no bloom on my honeysuckle but I had cut it back to the soil last fall and lots of leaves grew only to be eaten by something on the top tender leaves.

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Eharon Miller on Saturday, August 15, 2009 8:06 PM ADT

    Hi I planted two Clematis together to grow up over an archway in my garden they are growing long but don;t get very thick. Do I add more Clemantis to the same area.

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Paulette Ward on Friday, September 18, 2009 12:24 PM ADT

    as to the aphids, the ants are actually farming them. So the safers soap will control the aphids but those ants will bring in more if you don't deal with them. Try to find the main nest of ants... an organic solution of(2 cups) icing sugar,(4tps) borax and just enough water to make a thich runny paste. I pour some onto the nest and leave some in shallow pans along any "trails". As for adding more clematis, that probably will not solve your problem. Just a guess, but are they getting enough sun, watch and see how much sun are they getting between 11 am and 3 pm...the more sun, the more blooms. Also a reaction to a high nitrogen fert. could have the same effect, try using 5-10-5 or something with that ratio.If you fertilized the lawn in spring with a high N, try to avoid the area around your trellis....hope that helps!

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Trish Walker on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 10:17 PM ADT

    I just bought a clemantis and put in the ground here in Iowa. Can you tell me the proper procedures for fertilizing my plant?

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Sue Purnell on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 6:21 PM ADT

    Hi Where can I get this safer's soap

  • re: Clematis

    Posted by Veseys on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:23 AM ADT

    We recommend using Diatomaceous Earth: http://www.veseys.com/ca/en/store/tools/gardeningaids/diatomaceous