I'd agree with @Liriodendron. The easiest way to get rid of the bindweed is to get it climbing something else so that you can apply a good weedkiller without it touching the clematis. You could even lay it along the ground The clematis is suffering a bit. Probably needing some water and a bit of nutrition. I don' think the artificial grass will be helping either. Most of the thicker woody stems are clematis. The thickest, paler section is the main rootstock, and the finer, darker bits are the newest growth.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thankyou Liliodendron and Fairygirl. I will print off your posts ready for next February. I thought the fake grass behind the stem would help prevent the plant drying out as there are times in hot weather when I am not well enough to get out there and do some watering.
What I still dont get is why the clematis dies when it is touched.
Probably not so much that it is touched by the bindweed ( altho it can strangle new soft stems ) but as it is faster growing than the Clematis, it will pinch any water and nutrients from the soil first.
I think the fake grass might do the opposite - heat it all up. If it's difficult to water, laying a good mulch of compost after a thorough watering is the best way to help retain it. A large canful of water every few days is better than a light watering every day - it encourages the roots to get down nice and deep, and then they can access moisture more easily themselves. I wonder if it's worth getting one of those irrigation systems with a timer though? Even if it's only for a few plants.
I expect the bindweed is just strangling it. It could also be damaging new stems, causing them to die back.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It is a little difficult to see but I don't think the clematis is dying I think most of those dying leaves are bindweed where your gardener has broken the stem further down
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The clematis is suffering a bit. Probably needing some water and a bit of nutrition. I don' think the artificial grass will be helping either. Most of the thicker woody stems are clematis. The thickest, paler section is the main rootstock, and the finer, darker bits are the newest growth.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
What I still dont get is why the clematis dies when it is touched.
If it's difficult to water, laying a good mulch of compost after a thorough watering is the best way to help retain it. A large canful of water every few days is better than a light watering every day - it encourages the roots to get down nice and deep, and then they can access moisture more easily themselves.
I wonder if it's worth getting one of those irrigation systems with a timer though? Even if it's only for a few plants.
I expect the bindweed is just strangling it. It could also be damaging new stems, causing them to die back.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...