Two Clematis in a row have gotten wilt.

9 years ago

Hi everyone! I purchased a Clematis from Michigan bulb last fall before I knew any better. Got it in the ground last September or October. This summer, it took off and was very healthy, and then one day started to wilt from the top. Cut off the very top hoping to save it, but the whole thing died. I cut it to the ground and moved it--it is now putting up another shoot.

I purchased a Clematis from my local nursery about three weeks ago (Crystal Fountain) and it was doing great, forming buds. Then today, I went out and saw the very top was wilting again just like the other one did.

Is this something that lives in the soil? Could it be a coincidence, or is my location maybe bad? The location gets mid day sun then sun again late in the day. I can't figure out why the plants are super happy then wilt from the top down after a few weeks. Thanks in advance!

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

9 years ago

Here's the deal........I've been growing a lot of clematis for a very long time. Even worked for a time for a very large wholesale clematis grower. I am not convinced that clematis wilt - the fungal ailment - is as common as everyone thinks. In fact, there has been ongoing debate in the clematis world for decades as to the cause of 'clematis wilt'. I don't doubt that a fungal organism can be a source of wilt but I am highly doubtful it is the only source of wilt. One very popular theory is that the young vines simply grow faster than their root system can support. This is why you will see recommendations to plant clematis vines deeply and cut them back hard their first couple of growing seasons - it focuses the plant's energy into root development. If you follow these practices, it is highly unlikely that your vine, regardless of type, will develop wilt.

If a fungal organism was in fact solely responsible for wilt, this practice of deep planting and hard pruning would have little effect. Also very few fungal organisms are outgrown by plants - if they contract it once, chances are good it will be a recurring issue, however wilt is usually only present with young, not well-established vines.

Regardless if it is the fungal wilt or not, cutting back affected plants and treating them as normal (proper watering and fertilizing, etc.) typically will result in rapid regrowth. Many of my collection of clematis in my old garden were nursery returns, supposedly for wilt. Taken home and planted as described above, none of these plants ever died and none ever experienced wilt again. It is not a fatal affliction and the plants should recover, if not rapidly in the same season, then the following spring.

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Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
I had one wilt this year too. Now, within 2 months the new growth is as tall as it was when it turned black.

This link has information on the fungus Ascochyta clematidina.

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/cankers/clematis-wilt.aspx
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buyorsell888
9 years ago
My experience with Clematis isn't as lengthly as Gardengal's but I too have brought home dead looking Clems that were either returned by customers or purchased dirt cheap and planted them properly and had them thrive. I have some others that still wilt years later but they were planted incorrectly in tiny holes in clay that were not amended. Clems planted deep and cut back hard in big amended holes thrive while those I stuck in native soil without prep have struggled and many actually died. Unfortunately, I planted my first couple dozen that way and haven't managed to get them all dug up and replanted due to the difficulty in getting to those spots beside fences or arbors with a shovel. Which is why I shoved them into tiny holes years ago. I did not properly cut back many in the last couple of years due to work and tendonitis and I do have a lot of wilt going on right now...I do think most of it is cultural and not fungal....
K JM_6A
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you everyone! The soil these have been in is definitely clay. I may dig up and amend the soil. I want these to succeed so bad--I will cut back hard as well. I appreciate the responses so much.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
As GG48 said, if you are going to dig them up to improve the soil, replant them deeper 4".

One other thought, do a percolation test since they don't like constantly soggy conditions, so you want to be sure that there is decent drainage before creating amended holes since that may create bathtub conditions where moisture doesn't drain. It depends a lot on your particular soil. If it turns out that the drainage is poor, create raised or mounded beds by amending the entire bed, or plant elsewhere.
K JM_6A
Original Author
9 years ago
NHBabs--I have awesome loamy dirt for like 6-10" depending on where in my yard, and then it is solid clay. Sooooo frustrating. I had to dig PAST that clay layer when I planted my last rose, I think I was like 3' down. I should probably do raised beds--didn't realize clems struggle in clay. A lot of things do, but these seem to be particularly susceptible.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It's not that they will always struggle in clay, but they do need decent drainage and don't like sitting in water. I do have some that are growing in a bed that has a layer of clay under it, but it's on a slope, so water doesn't stand there or fill planting holes to make bathtubs.