Is my clematis dead.

[Paranoidandroidmarvin]

Only planted it in the spring. Was doing really well. Started to flower and grow. And now nothing. And it looks like this.
Any help?

I cut mine back as that's what the internet said! It's not regrown yet...

I'd give it weekly miracle gro, that gives things a helping hand. I'm no seasoned gardener but really helps my plants if they are a bit off.

Could it be Clematis Wilt? Info here: www.sundaygardener.co.uk/what-is-clematis-wilt.html

Thanks. It looks like it is. That means I have to take all the leaves off. Will it survive that!!!!

Does this affect the soil around it. If it is not be able to be saved. Does that mean I have to treat the soil around where it was.

I don’t want to buy a climbing rose as an example and put that in its place if there is something wrong with the soil left behind.

I think you’re ok leaving the soil. I just copied this from Gardener’s World:

‘Cut back affected stems to healthy growth, even if this means to below ground level, and the clematis should send up new shoots. Bin the infected material, don’t compost it. If the problem recurs, replant in rich, fertile, well-drained soil, with the top of the rootball 8cm below ground. Avoid stressing the plant by keeping it well watered and shading the roots – try covering over the root area with slates or stones to keep it cool.’

You should also disinfect the secateurs/whatever you used to cut back the stems - I read that somewhere. The problem is caused by a fungus that gets into the plant, but think it gets there eg through a cut, rather than being drawn up from the roots/soil. Hope it survives!

Mine do this most years - I just wait until they’ve finished flowering, then cut back to ground level (or if I forget I do this in the Spting). They keep coming back every year, they seem quite hardy. Even if I think they’ve finally died I get new shoots!

Thanks everyone.

Clematis are the precious little snowflakes of the garden.

They either romp ahead, if they're the Montana variety, or they develop every known pestilence and sit there sulking.

I've got two little petulant sulkers at the moment. I've given them an ultimatum and if they don't perk up I'm giving them a haircut. Probably tomorrow! Their leaves get a rust like powder on them which shows they're struggling.

I'd chop back the diseased stems and dispose of the cuttings on the bonfire or normal bin so they don't spread disease. Then give the soil a bit of a loosening around the stem and top dress with mulch from the compost bin and water well in. They have at least 3 months to regain strength and a new flush of growth. Keep the roots cool.

It might need copious watering if it isn't fully established yet. Don't feed it while it is struggling though, it doesn't help and can do more harm than good.