Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Clematis montana rubens problem

mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
in Problem solving
Help! My clematis montana rubens, that was doing ever so well, has started to wilt. I do not think it is clematis wilt, as the montana group are not prone to that (which is why I planted it). Could it be lack of water / lack of feed / over watering? I know it is too early in the season for the leaves to start to die back.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Water - lack of is by far the most likely reason.

    More info needed - age of plant, where it is, when planted, other planting around etc etc. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
    Hi Fairygirl - thanks for your reply

    I am beginning to think that, although it is a Montana, it has clematis wilt!  It is showing all of the symptoms.

    It has been in its spot in a border for just over a year - roots in the shade, head in the sun.  I planted it to replace a Bernadine (large flowering) that had been in for several years, but had developed clematis wilt, thinking that a Montana would be OK.  However, everything I have been reading suggests that whilst Montana are resistant to wilt, they are not completely exempt from getting.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if it is wilt!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Highly unlikely  :)
    If it's only been there a year, it's not even established yet. If it was one of those tiny plants from a supermarket, it's very young, and will take a few years. Even a mature plant from a reputable supplier will take a few years to get going, even in perfect conditions. 
    The roots in shade, head in sun is a myth, especially with montanas. It's dampness for the roots that they need.
    They grow in full shade perfectly happily, usually better in fact, especially if you live in an area where it's been fiercely hot. The forum has been inundated this year [and last year] with wilting plants of all kinds, because of excessive heat. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    It’s just too hot for it, give it lots of water, but whatever you do, don’t feed it.
    I'm sure it will pick up when the weather cools. 
    Mines at the north side so doesn’t get much sun, I’m sure they’re happier in the shade.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
    Hi Lyn

    I have indeed given it lots of water and am hoping it will be OK.  Unfortunately, though, I have fed it.  Why do you say not to do that please?  I hope I haven't done it any further damage.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A struggling plant doesn't want food. It's far too much for it take on board. It's like expecting someone in hospital after having a major operation, to eat a three course meal  :)
    Water - buckets of it, is what the plant needs.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
    Thank you x
Sign In or Register to comment.