Gardening Plant Problems Plant Diseases

How to Identify Clematis Wilt

A Common Fungal Disease

Clematis plant with wilting leaves (clematis wilt), caused by fungus Phoma clematidina
Chauney Dunford / Getty Images

One day your clematis vine is thriving and ready to flower, the next it’s withering before your eyes. What happened? Chances are that it’s been hit by a fairly common fungus that affects clematis plants, called clematis wilt. Clematis wilt can kill the entire top of your clematis vine, but the roots should still survive. If you identify the problem and act quickly, you'll increase the chances that, in time, your plant will recover.

Characteristics of Clematis Wilt

Clematis wilt is a fungus (Ascochyta clematidina) that is also sometimes referred to as clematis leaf and stem spot. Clematis wilt causes the foliage and stems of your clematis vine to dry and wither, even turning them black. Initially, reddish lesions start to appear along the stems, but the onset and spread of clematis wilt can be quick. That means you may not have any warning before an entire clematis vine turns brown. However, it’s not unheard of for only a few stems to be affected, so if you see sudden discoloring, take heed.

Causes of Clematis Wilt

Clematis wilt is spread by spores that likely remained on the debris of last year's vines or were carried by the wind from another nearby clematis plant. Like most fungal diseases, it is more prevalent during damp or humid weather. When clematis vines are thick, tangled, and remain wet well into the day, they are at increased risk for the disease.

On older clematis plants, the woody portion near the ground is often the first area affected. This may also be the area where the spores overwinter.

Once affected, the plant begins to die back because the fungus cuts off its vascular system and no water can be carried through the plant. Left untreated, clematis wilt will spread throughout the plant.

Clematis (Clematis viticella) 'Madame Julia Correvon'. Aland Islands, Finland
Michael Davis / Getty Images

Treating Affected Plants

The good news is that clematis plants can recover from wilt because it does not attack their root system. The bad news is that you can lose the entire top growth of your vine, often during flowering time.

To give your clematis the best chance of surviving clematis wilt, cut the affected stems back to ground level at the first sign of withering or drying. It sounds drastic, but it can save your plant. Dispose of the cuttings rather than compost them.

Since the roots are not affected, new shoots should emerge from the base shortly after cutting. If your plant does not re-sprout within a few weeks, don't give up. Keep the clematis roots watered even if there is no top growth.

Warning

To reduce the chance of clematis wilt re-infesting next year, remove all remaining vine and leaf growth in the fall and dispose of it outside of the garden—somewhere other than your compost bin. The fungus can easily overwinter in the dead foliage.

Clematis stems emerging from the below the ground and shoots forming on the pruned stems, close-up
Maarigard / Getty Images

Plants Susceptible to Clematis Wilt

Clematis wilt can attack any type of clematis. The larger flowered varieties are most susceptible, while some of the smaller flowering varieties, like Clematis alpina and Clematis viticella, show better resistance.

Tips for Keeping Your Clematis Healthy

Healthy plants will have better resistance to disease. Choose a good planting site with at least 6 hours of sun daily. Clematis needs good sun exposure to bloom but the roots prefer to stay cool so maintain a good layer of mulch at the base of the plant. Make sure your location has good air circulation. Choose a variety with some disease resistance and keep the area around the plant free of debris. Avoid cultivating around the crown and roots to keep them free of damage that could provide an entry point for disease spores.

Keep your plant in good health, prune appropriately for your type of clematis, and be on the alert for any signs of the disease.

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  1. Clematis. Washington State University Extension

  2. Clematis Wilt. Missouri Botanical Garden.

  3. Can I put disease-infested plant material in my compost pile? Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.