Clematis stunted growth

[Containergardener]

You would be very welcome. The least I can do for airing my woes to you poor patient folks

We all have woes Marb. Mine this week are ground elder, willowherb, frost, hailstones, too small a greenhouse, no room left in the house, seeds not germinating, compost, old seeds and lack of patience and time.

But that's ok 😄 we are all in this together .

On my way..hope you've got sunshine.

[Marb67]

Well after putting the netting over it it's now much better. Not sure if it will get on the new trtellis this season though.


However, Another more mature Clematis isn't sprouting and this can't be slugs or snails as I have never seen any on it. How do I help this before it's too late to flower ? Never had this problem before.

[Peanut]

It's snails Marb (could be slugs too). You can see where they've eaten the tips of the new shoots and stripped the bark from the stems. I had to cut one of my clematis stems down the the base yesterday as it had started to wilt. If it's not one thing it's another!

[Nicos]

I can’t seem to grow clematis in my back garden.
A very healthy plant suddenly stated wilting and steadily got worse.
Eventually I decided to check out the roots by gently moving aside the soil.
Not a root in sight….just a vole tunnel.
Darn things …I’ve taken to planting daffs around the base of another one and they don’t seem to have spotted it yet!
As you say Peanut….if it’s not one thing it’s another

[Jungle Jane]

Good idea Nicos,daffodil bulbs are meant to be poisonous to voles,rats,rabbits etc so they must be avoiding them
The trellis in the photo,check for snails between the wall & trellis,they usually hide near their food

[Andraste]

I agree - snugs/snails are covert little blighters that will use their natural camo, any tiny hiding space & cover of darkness to strike. The stripe on the stems is the giveaway as that shows where they drag their tiny gnashers down the stems.

[Marb67]

Well I've pulled them away from the wall and let them hang down until they start growing shoots again.

[Peanut]

I wouldn't do that Marb, they want to climb and letting them hang down isn't going to be of any benefit to them, if anything it will make it even easier for snails to eat them. Keep them tied in and they'll re-shoot, just keep yours eyes peeled for snails.