She does not sneak up, but attacks a clematis with vehemence. Clematis wilt particularly targets the gorgeous, large-flowered hybrids and wipes them out in a matter of days. Explore our top 5 tips for control and prevention here.

Tip 1: Remove infected leaves immediately

When the weather is warm and humid, there is an increased alertness, because now there are ideal conditions for the pathogens of clematis wilt. Check your clematis daily. If brown spots with a yellowish atrium appear on the leaves, the fungal spores have struck. Cut out infected plant parts promptly with sharp, disinfected scissors. Then treat the clematis with an approved fungicide, such as Neudorff Atempo Pilzfrei or Compo Duaxo Universal Pilzfrei.

Tip 2: Cut back wilted clematis close to the ground

In the advanced stage, hobby gardeners cannot avoid pruning. If the entire clematis wilts, cut back all tendrils to just above the ground. With a bit of luck, the subterranean parts of the plant will not be affected and will sprout again within the coming weeks, months or years.

Tip 3: Aspirin strengthens the immune system against clematis wilt

At first glance it seems like an April Fool's joke and has proven itself in the near-natural hobby garden. Salicylic acid strengthens the defenses against fungal infections in plants. Because this active ingredient is in the form of acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin tablets, treat a clematis infested with clematis wilt as follows after pruning:

  • Dissolve 10 aspirin tablets in 5 liters of water
  • Use this mixture as irrigation water from now on

Tip 4: Choosing the right location prevents clematis wilt

When the weather is glorious, a clematis is not threatened by clematis wilt. Only moisture provides the breeding ground for the cunning fungal spores. Therefore, plant a clematis in a rain-protected location, such as an eaves. This prudence drastically reduces the risk of infection.

Tip 5: Plant clematis deep enough - so they sprout again

In view of the rapid spread, clematis wilt leaves little chance of survival for a clematis. However, that does not mean that you should throw in the towel entirely. If you plant a young plant deep enough, there is a good chance that it will sprout again. This hope is nourished by the fact that the fungal spores mostly spare underground shoots and roots. How to do it right:

  • The planting hole is twice as deep as the root ball is long
  • Lay out a drainage made of gravel or grit at the bottom of the pit
  • Plant the clematis so deep that 1 to 2 pairs of buds come under the ground

In addition, place the young plant in the ground at a slight angle to support more intensive root formation.

tips and tricks

Clematis wilt is a highly contagious disease. Therefore, never dispose of cut leaves, blossoms and shoots in the compost, but in household waste. The same applies to fallen leaves from an infected clematis, because this is where the fungal spores look for new victims in the garden.

Category:

Indoor plants