Clematis is the number one genus of vine plants used in the home landscape. Generally, they are pretty care free except for a fungal disease called clematis wilt. This disease is caused by the fungus, Aschochyta clematidina, and it tends to be more of a problem with the large, hybrid clematis and not so much with species clematis and their small flowered hybrids. The fungus becomes active under conditions of high humidity in early summer. It enters a susceptible clematis through small wounds.

The infection starts at the base of the plant and cause the sudden stem collapse of the vine. Shortly after the infection starts, the stem will die and the leaves turn black. The leaves may have a purplish color to their veins. It may affect just one of the stems or it may attack the entire plant. Although it may look very bad, clematis vines will often recover in a season or two.


Prevention and treatment are generally the same. See below.


1. Proper Site - Clematis under stress by receiving less than 6 hours of sunlight, incorrect pH or poor air circulation are more likely to be infected.

2. Resistance - Species clematis or small flowered hybrids are often more resistant that the larger flowered forms.

3. Sanitation - Keep the clematis free of plant debris and clean t hem up after the season. Take care to avoid injuring the stems or roots of clematis as much as possible.

4. Remove Diseased Tissue - Carefully cut off diseased stems just below the ground level and destroy them away from the planting area.

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.
 
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