Clematis Wilt
Clematis Wilt  Clematis wilt is a fungal disease that originates from the soil or other plants. It is thought infection occurs in conditions of high humidity. Infection enters through small wounds caused for example, by birds, insects and bruising plant ties. Susceptible Plants- Clematis Symptoms- Sudden drooping of young growth. Affected leaves next to the stalks blacken, then wither and die. Dark lesions may be seen on the stem at or near ground level.. Patchy blackening can occur on otherwise healthy leaves. Large flowered hybrids are most susceptible to clematis wilt., especially those with Clematis lanuginose in there parentage.
Prevention and Control- Plant newly purchased clematis 6in(15cm) deeper than originally grown. Clematis viticella cultivars are said to be much less susceptible to clematis wilt. Avoid mechanical damage to stems, particularly when securing ties. Cut back infected growth to soil level or below.
New healthy growth should emerge from ground level. If symptoms recur remove the soil to a depth of 12in(30cm) and destroy the infected plant. Replace with fresh soil and replant. Clematis will grow best and be the most resistant to wilt if it is grown in deep, humus-rich soil. Unless you are fortunate to have great soil, you will probably need to amend the soil. What you use will depend on your type of soil. If you have sandy soil, mix it 50/50 with Soil Optimizer Fungicidal Control- As a precaution, a systemic fungicide such as BI-Carb Organic Fungicide Make sure it stays well-watered, especially during the hot, stressful parts of the season. In sandy well-drained soils, fertilize clematis with a water-soluble food every 2-3 weeks from spring until mid-August. In heavier soils, fertilize less often (every 3-4 weeks) with an all purpose organic fertilizer such as Rainbow Mix Grow 100% Natural Organic Fertilizer 5-5-2,
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