How to Prevent Clematis Wilt

Last Updated: March 15, 2023

Clematis wilt is a common problem when growing clematis, especially with the fancier hybrids which have less resistance. Here is what to do to try to prevent it from happening to your clematis.

Steps

1
Know the signs. Clematis wilt will cause the stems to die back to ground level. Older plants may be able to recover but younger plants will usually die completely from this occurrence.^{[1]
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2
Plant with care. When planting clematis, plant it at the level of the first node. Doing this will allow the root system to develop more strongly, and new shoots will quickly form from the base of the plant. While this is not a preventative measure, it is a way of ensuring that there are plenty of regrowth opportunities should clematis wilt strike.^{[2]
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3
Soak the root ball in fungicide before planting the clematis. This will kill off any wilt pathogens residing in the root ball and give the plant a good start.
4
Keep using fungicide. As the clematis grows, continue to spray the fungicide around the zone of the roots. Once the plant appears well established, you can stop doing this.^{[3]
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5
Keep young plants watered throughout the dry, hot season. Don't let them dry out.
6
Feed regularly. Use a mild liquid fertiliser to nourish the plant and give it steady growing strength.^{[4]
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7
Keep young plants stable. If the clematis is exposed to wind and snaps, this creates a possible entry point for fungal spores. If needed, shelter or tie up young plants so that they don't risk snapping off.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use the product Seven on clematis wilt?

Becky Hyatt

Community Answer

I would not use Seven, as it is more for insects than anything else. I use Deconil. I have 5 healthy plants, and this product is very effective.
Question

I have clematis wilt in several plants. They are growing healthily, then all of a sudden I'll see the plant start to wilt from the top of the plant. What can I do?

Ninox

Top Answerer

Cut immediately all wilted stems but leave the healthy parts untouched. If the whole plant is dying, cut to the ground level then cover the roots with mulch.
Question

My clematis sometimes wilts at the top and then picks back up again. I water and feed it regularly. Do you think I'm I over-watering it?

Community Answer

No, it’s wilt. Use fungicide on the roots and cut off all of the dead parts.