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Clematis Southern Gardening garden

Distorted Clematis

Ben D (zone 7b)

11 months ago

I planted a Perrin's Pride clematis a couple of years ago and it has never done well. Leaves and petals open up distorted, and the lower leaves turn brown. It doesn't look wilty though.

My photos don't capture it as well as I'd like (should have taken them earlier in the season); I'm not sure whether the holes are related to the issue or something else.

Could this be a virus? Wilt? I'm prepared to dig it up and replace it, but should I avoid putting another clematis there?

(I'm in north Alabama, zone 7b.)

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Comment (1)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 months ago
It is neither a virus nor wilt. Nor any other clematis disease. The holes and ragged edges are caused by some sort of chewing insect and the contorted leaves also look like they were attacked by some sucking insect (aphids?) as they were unfolding.

Just keep it well watered and fertilized. If you like, you can cut it back hard. It will be fine.
Ben D (zone 7b) thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
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