Diseases of clematis

Clematis is a beautiful plant that is loved by countless gardeners. Entering almost any garden, you can be sure that you will find this wonderful climbing flower there. However, no matter how beautiful clematis is, you need to closely monitor it and prevent the spread of pests and diseases so that it delights you with its beauty throughout the entire flowering period. After all, clematis is a very vulnerable plant, completely defenseless against all kinds of fungi and pests. Therefore, your task, as a responsible owner and a good gardener, is to make sure that an infection or other disease of clematis does not happen at all.

Introduction

What diseases can potentially affect clematis, and how they can be overcome, you can find out in this article. However, it is worth mentioning that the best and simplest prevention method is growing a plant in ideal conditions for it. Clematis, as you probably know, is very fond of the sun, and also does not tolerate cold blowing winds. By keeping track of these two fundamental factors, you can prevent and prevent many diseases. Nevertheless, if you still failed to defend against them, you will have to go on the attack. How to do it correctly - below.

General rules for the care of clematis

The worst thing you can do for your clematis is to overly moisturize it. This plant is very sensitive to excess water, and therefore it is necessary to ensure that there are no roofs next to the vine, and the plant itself is not in the lowlands. This will certainly provide your clematis with waterlogging and subsequent death of the roots. Another source of water waiting for clematis underground is groundwater, from which protection must also be provided. To do this, it is enough to pour a twenty-centimeter layer of drainage in the form of fine gravel or broken brick on the bottom of the planting pit. The pit itself must have certain parameters for better development of the bush. A 60 by 60 by 60 depression is best for clematis, but these numbers directly depend on the properties of the soil: the heavier it is, the larger the depression should be. Accordingly, the lighter - the less. After filling the drainage, the contents of the pit should be supplemented with a nutrient mixture, which will be represented by a mixture consisting equally of compost and ordinary fertile soil. Also, about 10 grams of superphosphate is added to this composition. After that, the clematis itself is carefully placed on the resulting slide from this mixture. This procedure will provide him with safety and protection from external natural factors.

Also, in order to maintain the correct and effective growth of clematis, it is necessary to put a support next to the pit, to which the plant shoots are tied. This is done so that it does not collapse under its own weight and reaches the maximum possible height.

Plant diseases

The saddest thing that can happen is a serious illness of clematis.This plant should bring joy, but diseased specimens only catch up with melancholy and sadness from how much energy was spent on growing, and how all these forces can disappear into oblivion in the blink of an eye. Therefore, in addition to direct treatment of diseases, it is also necessary to take care of the prevention of clematis in order to prevent the disease even before it appears. Doing this is not only easy, but also effective. If the shrub has already manifested symptoms such as abnormal spots on the leaves, general lethargy or swelling on the surface of the vine, prevention can no longer help and you need to take treatment seriously.

In order to still prevent the fatal infection from happening, the following rules must be observed: monitor the plant's immunity, because, often, it is its deficiency that turns out to be the most important factor causing the clematis disease. It is also necessary to regularly feed clematis, and not hope that he will receive absolutely all the nutrients he needs from the soil. In addition, in order to prevent various fungal diseases from happening, be sure to soak the roots of the seedling in a solution of water with some kind of fungicide. Such a "bath" will significantly increase the resistance of the shrub to fungi.

However, fungi are not the only opponents of your clematis. In addition to them, there is also a huge number of all kinds of beetles, slugs and even small mice and moles. In addition to eating the leaves and vines of the plant, they are also not averse to covetousness on its root system, which will certainly lead to the death of the flower in the near future. However, first things first, and therefore we will begin a description of the causative agents of diseases in clematis with the aforementioned fungi.

Fungal diseases

Fungal diseases are especially dangerous in that they most often lead to the complete wilting of the plant, which, of course, does not benefit it in any way, and therefore now we will consider the most common fungal diseases that clematis can only become infected with.

Verticillium wilt (wilt)

Wilt - an extremely common disease of clematis. Perhaps even the most common. It is characterized by the fact that the shoots, along with all the buds and leaves on them, begin to dry out at an incredible rate. This terrible disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium. Its spores enter the shoot through the root system from the soil. Preventing the disease of clematis is not only possible, but also quite simple. To do this, it is enough just to follow simple rules, which say that: you cannot water clematis too abundantly. Also, poor-quality drainage and poor plant protection from winter cold are impermissible. Failure to comply with these rules leads to a weakening of the plant's immunity, which is why it cannot fight back disputes. This is how the infection happens.

Nevertheless, if the spores nevertheless penetrated the plant and began to mess, it is necessary to take the following measures: it is necessary to spray the plant in early spring with special substances that kill fungi and their spores. Copper sulfate or a drug called Previkur is perfect as a "medicine". It is necessary to get rid of infected shoots at the first opportunity: from them the infection can spread to the rest. It is equally important to ensure that the soil is always loose, and that too many weeds do not grow around the plant.

Phomopsis wilt

This disease of clematis is no less rare in clematis grown in gardens, and it is characterized by the fact that painful spots form on the leaves of the affected plant. They are most often yellow or brown in color. Over time, these spots grow, turning into real tumors, which seriously interfere with the plant's growth and development. Sooner or later, the spots will begin to merge, forming a single surface that covers the leaf and kills it.
Important!

The types of clematis found in nature often endure Phomopsis wilt much less hard: spots appear on the leaves, but the disease does not go further. Hybrid types of clematis, on the contrary, experience much more problems with this disease. It greatly injures them and causes the wilting indicated in the title.

Measures to combat this disease are as simple as in the case of the previous one: it is enough just to maintain optimal conditions for the plant so that its immunity does not weaken, and also spray the shrub with fungicides as needed.

Gray rot

This disease of clematis is common not only in clematis, but also in almost all existing ornamental plants. It can be caused by many factors: too low temperatures in summer, overdoing with the amount of nitrogen fertilizers, as well as poor agricultural technology. The carrier of the fungus is the wind, and therefore it will not be possible to hide from it. It settles on absolutely any part of the plant's "body": on the stem, leaves and flowers, where it begins its destructive activity. The affected areas are covered with a dusty coating, the appearance of which must be monitored extremely closely: as soon as you notice it, immediately proceed to intensive treatment.

To do this, you will need a variety of drugs of chemical and biological origin, such as Bordeaux mixture or foundationol. Also, all kinds of fungicides that will prevent the reappearance of the disease will not be superfluous. Wood ash mixed with copper sulfate can be no less useful in curing gray rot.

Fusarium

This disease of clematis may well be called a "disease of the weak", because in the first place it affects exactly the old and damaged shoots. After that, when they are completely destroyed by the disease, it goes to the already weakened plant and begins to eat it from the inside. Most often, this disease occurs in the middle of summer, namely, in June-July. There is no better way to prevent it than timely pruning of unwanted shoots and careful handling of the shrub itself: one careless damage to the rhizome or stem can lead to dire consequences.

To combat the disease, fairly standard methods are used. As already mentioned, the best way to avoid fusarium disease is to do competent and timely pruning. Also, if the disease has already attacked and the immune system has been weakened, it is necessary to use fungicides to avoid re-infection.

Rust

It is not difficult to guess how this clematis disease manifests itself. It affects the leaves and the stem of clematis, on which orange spots appear as a result, more like blisters or even tumors. Symptoms like these indicate that you have encountered the fungus Aecidium clematidis DC. Such spots can not only significantly complicate the process of photosynthesis, but also kill the leaves. The stems from rust damage can be irreparably bent.

In order to get rid of the disease, excluding all possible ways of its return, it is necessary not only to remove the affected leaves and shoots, but also to completely destroy them. All weeds around clematis should be subject to the same process, since, most likely, they are the carriers of the infection.
It is also necessary to treat the cut sites with preparations containing copper or Bordeaux mixture. This will prevent other unpleasant diseases from entering the flower's body through its opened vulnerable spot.

Powdery mildew

This ailment is so harmful and it appears so often that a special pure hatred has formed towards it in the society of gardeners. Powdery mildew appears not only in clematis, but also in all ornamental plants in general. To penetrate the bush, it chooses the hottest months of summer: July or August.This unpleasant disease of clematis manifests itself in the form of a fluffy, flour-like plaque on the surface of the leaves, stems and flowers of clematis. In appearance, this dew seems much less dangerous than tumors or real through holes in the leaves, however, believe me, when the fungus enters the stage of active hostilities, it will no longer be stopped: the leaves and stems will begin to deform, the development of the bush will stop, as, however , and bloom. If measures are not taken in time, the disease will spread to neighboring plants, and it will be very difficult to stop it.

In order to overcome powdery mildew, you need to thoroughly master all the methods that we have listed today. As you probably remember, your first action should be the complete removal and destruction of all affected areas of clematis: not a single leaf covered with dew and a shoot should remain. As in the case of the previous disease, all the weeds surrounding clematis are destroyed, after which spraying can be done. It can be carried out both with biological and chemical fungicides, and with ordinary folk remedies. Naturally, however, the latter will be much less effective.

Important!

When preparing any spray solution, a strict temperature regime must be observed. The mixture should never be hotter than 55 degrees Celsius. This is extremely important, especially when treating powdery mildew.

Ascochitosis

This clematis disease is attributed by professional gardeners to a completely different group of fungal ailments. Its peculiarity and distinguishing feature is that it "gnaws" the affected leaves through and through, forming holes in them. If you pay attention to the development of this disease in time, clematis will survive the winter extremely badly: its immunity will drop to a critical state, and the bush will develop and bloom much more slowly. The spots in which holes promise to appear soon turn orange, so it is extremely difficult not to notice them.

In order to overcome this unpleasant disease of clematis, it is necessary, as already mentioned more than once, to remove and destroy all damaged parts of the plant. After that, the entire bush is repeatedly treated with a copper-containing preparation in order to prevent infection, which is possible with a weakened immune system. After this has been done, the preparation is sprayed with one of the available fungicides. For the correct dilution of the solution, carefully read the instructions.

Alternaria, cylindrosporium and septoria

These three diseases are so similar to each other that we decided to combine them into one item. Their incredible similarity is due to the fact that their pathogens are descendants of the same species of fungi.

In the event that your plant has caught Alternaria, brown or red spots begin to appear on its leaves. Over time, they will darken and grow, which will eventually lead to the death of the leaf.

Septicemia works in a similar way, however, unlike the previous type of the disease, it causes gray spots with a red border on the surface of the leaf.

Cilinodrosporiosis is very similar to septoriasis, however, the color of the spots appearing on the leaves changes somewhat: they are brown in the center, and dark yellow at the edges.

Measures to combat these three diseases, less dangerous than the previous ones, are no different from the standard. As you probably already serrated, first you need to get rid of the damaged shoots, and then treat the entire bush with some kind of copper-containing substance. It also doesn't hurt to weed out the weeds.

Viral diseases

This type of clematis disease is extremely unpleasant to meet, because it is almost impossible to cure them. Although, perhaps, the word "practically" in this context is inappropriate.As a result, the only possible way out of the situation is to dig up and burn the plant far outside your garden so that it does not have time to infect other plantings.

So, dealing with the consequences is not the best way to get rid of viral diseases. It is much easier to cope with what causes them, namely, sucking insects. Once done with them, do away with viruses.

Yellow mosaic

This disease of clematis is especially unpleasant, because you simply cannot get rid of it. Leaves infected with the virus, despite the name of the disease itself, discolor and lose their plasticity. In fact, only the mummies of the former leaves remain in your hands. In order to prevent this, as already mentioned, it is necessary to overcome the pathogen. For this, treating the plant with some kind of insecticide is ideal.

Yellow mosaic is a disease inherent not only in clematis, and therefore, in order to avoid possible infection, it is better not to plant it near other large ornamental crops. In the event that the infection does occur, you will have to part with the plant. However, the cuttings can be preserved in order to restore the variety in the future. However, they will need to be planted as far as possible from any other plants: it is incredibly difficult to check whether they are still infected or not. Only time will tell.

Physiological damage

The unhealthy state of clematis can be caused not only by various pathogens, but also by all sorts of external factors. Many underestimate them, trying to concentrate as much as possible on protecting the plant from viruses and fungi, but you also need to monitor whether the plant is comfortable at the current temperature, which soil suits it best and at what angle the sun shines the most.

However, you really shouldn't worry about these problems as much as about diseases, because they are incredibly easy to solve. It is enough just to replenish the element that the plant is currently lacking. Give it more light by thinning out the plants surrounding the clematis. Fertilize the soil well for him, and so on. It will take a little time and even less effort, however, when you see how good your flower is before our eyes, you will understand that it was worth it.

You can also create an artificial shade for the plant in especially hot summer weather. This will greatly help him and significantly increase the productivity of clematis. It may even affect the quality and duration of its flowering.

Pests

There are also bigger destroyers of your plant health. Your garden is teeming with them: they crawl, jump and fly all over the place, and they are pests. Everything: from a small midge to a large mouse, is not averse to feasting on the leaves, shoots and roots of your clematis, and your task is by no means to allow them to do this.

Aphid

This minor pest is perhaps the most common troublemaker in the garden. This small insect, if allowed to gather in a large crowd, costs nothing to completely destroy your clematis.

There are many species of aphids that differ in color, size and preference, but they are all equally harmful to you as a garden keeper. The extinction of a huge number of clematis leaves occurs for the reason that when eating green nutritious juice, aphids release a sticky substance to which the foliage reacts extremely negatively.

Most of all, this small pest loves young, fresh leaves: they accumulate the most juice. Therefore, if you suspect that aphids have started in your garden, it is necessary first of all to examine the young growth. At the beginning of the season, aphids are carried by ants, and then they grow wings and become able to move independently.

In order to end the dominance of aphids on your site, you must resort to the following measures:

If there are very few aphids, you can resort to simple mechanical destruction. Rinse them off with a stream of water, and they are unlikely to return to their favorite place.

Another way, however less simple and convenient, is to use other insects for your own purposes. You probably know that ladybugs are some of the best garden protectors. Perhaps it is they who will help you get rid of the aphids that have infested clematis. In addition, you can use a feeder that will attract birds, which also will not mind eating aphids. Also, onions or garlic planted next to clematis can scare away unwanted guests.

The last option, which should be resorted to only as a last resort, is the chemical destruction of pests. Since this method is quite dangerous for the entire surrounding clematis, we strongly discourage resorting to it for any the smallest reason. Let all sorts of insecticides be in your arsenal, but only resort to using them if you are sure that none of the other has worked.

Spider mite

This type of mite affects a huge number of plants, including clematis. If the summer is hot and dry, wait for its appearance. These mites gather in huge groups and weave truly large cobwebs that cover the plants from root to crown. However, their sabotage is not limited to weaving a web. Ticks also cause a painful reaction on the plant, which may well lead to the death of the leaf.

It is extremely difficult to fight this parasite, and this, unfortunately, means that perhaps the only truly effective way to get rid of them once and for all is to resort to the use of insecticides. However, in no case forget how toxic these substances are and what this means is that it is extremely important to follow the instructions on the packaging before diluting the solution.

There are, of course, insecticides that do not harm the environment so much and remain as effective at the same time, but you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to shell out a decent amount for them.

Also, one of the most effective ways to combat spider mites in the midst of a dry summer are folk decoctions and infusions. Many are skeptical about them, however, believe me, some really work. And to really working drugs can be ranked, for example, an infusion of garlic, which copes well with such a misfortune as a spider mite.

Slugs and snails

No matter how harmless these slimy creatures may seem, do not let them deceive you: as soon as the weather is warm enough for them in spring, they will immediately climb out of their holes and at night they will eat young shoots and leaves of your clematis. In addition, these nasty creatures can damage the buds, which will prevent the plant from developing and, moreover, from blooming. However, even this is not all the consequences of their hunger. A virus or fungus can penetrate into open wounds inflicted by snails, practically without resistance, which will cause even more damage. Therefore, snails and slugs must be fought immediately.

There are a huge number of drugs that have been invented specifically to combat garden snails. In addition, they are all absolutely safe, which means that by using them just before the season of awakening slugs, you will provide your clematis with indestructible armor, which, by the way, will not harm anyone except the snails themselves.

Nematodes

Nematodes are an alternative name for roundworms, whose favorite treat is the roots of the plant. Although, they are not whimsical and will gladly eat both the leaves and the stem of your clematis. If nematodes make a massive attack on a young plant, it will most likely not survive and die.Adult clematis are stronger, but even they will noticeably lag behind their healthy peers in development and will become much less decorative.

Important!

Nematodes from plants such as, for example, strawberries or strawberries may well move to your clematis, which they will eventually cause much more serious damage. Therefore, planting these plants nearby is ineffective and even dangerous.

Unfortunately, not a single method of combating these pests that gives a permanent result simply does not exist yet. Therefore, the best thing you can do is to keep a close eye on damage to roots and foliage and try to kill the worms before they multiply on an unimaginable scale.

It is also important to remember: if you still had to remove the plant after an attack by nematodes, you need to keep quarantine in this zone of the garden for some time. This is the only way to protect future plants from the danger of infection. Quarantine usually lasts about 3 years.

Finished moth

It is a small, harmless-looking triangular butterfly. However, as you already, for sure, understood, trusting the harmlessness of insects is not the best idea. Indeed, in the form of a caterpillar, this cute butterfly can give you a huge amount of trouble. Most of all, they attack the flowers themselves, and it is better to use insecticides to combat them.

Little moth

This insect is also a butterfly. She has turquoise wings and all summer, if you allow it, of course, she will feed on your clematis. The caterpillars of this moth are most active in one of the hottest months - in July. These pupae must be destroyed, which is also done with the help of insecticides.

Mealybug

This small parasite attacks the shoots of the plant with a special appetite. Most of all, he is interested in the part of the shoot that is closer to the root. To destroy this annoying pest, ordinary systemic insecticides are used. However, spraying may not work the first time. In this case, it is permissible to carry out a second spraying in two weeks. If the worm has gathered on your clematis in small quantities, it is quite possible to get rid of it with ordinary soapy water.

Shitovka

Many do not immediately realize that this is an insect, because the scale insect is pretty well camouflaged. From above, it even looks like a small harmless "blister" on a leaf. However, do not be fooled - this small insidious "blister", until you pay attention to it, will suck all the juices from the leaves of your clematis. To avoid this, it is necessary to treat the plant with an alcohol solution.

Bedbugs

In addition to spider bugs, there are the most common ones, which, nevertheless, also like to eat clematis... They are quite small and therefore difficult to find. However, if you know where they most like to regale, it will not be difficult to find them. It is enough just to find the youngest leaf and turn it over. If you do find bedbugs, you need to treat the bush with insecticides.

Medvedki

Unlike all previous pests, bears are quite large and can take a lot more trouble than some kind of moth. This is due to the fact that the bear has direct access to the root system of clematis. And, naturally, she uses it for food. In order not to give the bear the opportunity to feast on the roots of your ornamental shrubs, it is necessary to pour a solution based on soap and oil into the holes dug by her. Further, there are two options for the development of events: either the bear crawls out of the mink and you kill it, or it simply suffocates in its hole and becomes future fertilizer for your clematis.

Mice and rats

Perhaps the most irreparable harm not only to clematis, but also to any other plant, is caused by rodents. With their jaws, they easily gnaw shoots and roots, and therefore, the sooner you get rid of them, the better. A suitable remedy for this is poison bait.When the mice are finished, order will reign in the garden.

Conclusion

Like all other plants, clematis is sick. This is an inevitable stage through which any living organism passes. However, instead of panicking, the gardener should pull himself together and use whatever is necessary to fight the clematis disease and save the plant. We hope our article will help you in this difficult task.