It starts in the lower area. Yellow-brown spots are formed on the foliage near the ground. Within a short time, many brown leaves appear on the clematis, because the clematis wilt has struck. Here's how to counteract it.

Large-flowered hybrids are endangered

Brown leaves on a clematis indicate an infestation by clematis wilt. If the damage occurs in May/June, it is Phnoma wilt. In midsummer, on the other hand, Fusarium wilt strikes. Since both cases involve a fungal infection, the diseases are summarized under the term clematis wilt. Highly bred hybrids are primarily at risk, while robust, small-flowered wild species are spared.

Preventing and combating clematis wilt - this is how it works

To prevent brown leaves on a clematis and the subsequent death of the climbing plant, you can prevent clematis wilt as follows:

  • Place young plants 7-10 centimeters lower than during cultivation
  • Check the leaves regularly from May
  • Cut out suspicious plant parts at the first leaf spots
  • Fasten the clematis securely so that no shoots break off and become infested
  • Do not irrigate clematis, but water directly at the roots

Where the fungal infection breaks out, the entire clematis is cut back. In order to prevent the spread, the clippings are disposed of in the household waste. Then treat the affected climbing plant with a fungicide that is approved for the home garden. If the shoots are already affected, the above-ground parts of the plant will no longer be able to be saved. With a bit of luck, the clematis will sprout again from healthy roots next year.

tips and tricks

Organic gardeners swear by the effectiveness of salicylic acid in preventing fungal infections on plants. After each pruning, an endangered clematis receives 10 aspirin tablets dissolved in 5 liters of water to strengthen its immune system.

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