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Clematis Leaves Blackened?

biofreakbiofreak Posts: 1,089
in The potting shed
My lovely Niobe Clematis has suddenly developed black leaves. The pot is damp and no aphids etc in sight -Help! Any ideas what this is and what to do. Nowhere near other clematis in garden and they are thriving.
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  • PurplerainPurplerain Posts: 1,053
    It sounds like clematis wilt. 

    Here is a link on how to deal with it
    https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-deal-with-clematis-wilt-1402785
    SW Scotland
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    @biofreak can we see a photo please ... there are several things that might be causing this. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Richard HodsonRichard Hodson Posts: 790
    Probably too much nitrogen, have you been feeding it ?  What compost have you used in the pot ?   Did the leaves start to go black at the top of the stems first or at the bottom of the stems  first ?
  • IamweedyIamweedy Posts: 1,364
    I have certain Clematis that get wilt. 
    Purplerains  article is useful. 
    Biofreak. One of my C. Niobes is more susceptible than other varieties. 



    'You must have some bread with it me duck!'

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd listen to Richard re the 'too much nitrogen', and also what the pot contents are. 
    Wilt is quite rare - hence his query re where the blackening is. 
    Niobe is my favourite clematis - grows beautifully here. I don't really do anything to it other than cut it back in late winter/spring, and tie it in when it grows. I sometimes give it a feed in spring - if I remember. 
    Not quite flowering yet, but it looked like this last year at this time


    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    And my clematis Blue Ice is developing brown mottled patches on its leaves. It usually does every year and survives but is not terribly vigorous, probably because it's in partial shade. Any ideas please?
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It is recommended that Ice Blue be grown in partial shade or the flowers bleach white too soon.  Have you tried giving it a proper clematis feed in spring?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • biofreakbiofreak Posts: 1,089
    only bought it 3 weeks ago at Garden Fair from Specialist Grower. Blackening from the top. Did mulch with lawn mowings as I have the others over the years with no ill effects. Too much nitrogen from this could be the answer. It is still flowering happily hence the question. If it is wilt -how do I deal with that? Should I cut it back and re-pot (What soil mix?) for next season.
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Did it get too cold?  The plant was probably grown under cover to have it in flower for the garden show.. did you harden it off before putting it out?  Is it a true black or a dark purpleing of the leaves?  
    Utah, USA.
  • biofreakbiofreak Posts: 1,089
    We had a freak cold weekend at the Show so you could be right, and leaves are black black black! (New one's are coming but a bit mottly) Great to hear Gardeners Forum gets readers from all over the world. The widest amount of opinions are great to have. So from Normandy France to Utah -Thanks! (getting ready for many visitors from the States this w/e for D Day celebrations.)
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