What is wrong with my new clemantis? - Ask Extension
Hi - I purchased and planted this clemantis this spring. I made sure to only water at the base. It was full of blooms early in the season, then it s...
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What is wrong with my new clemantis? #807350
Asked August 21, 2022, 6:32 PM EDT
Hi - I purchased and planted this clemantis this spring. I made sure to only water at the base. It was full of blooms early in the season, then it stopped. This is what it currently looks like. What is wrong and what do I need to do? Thanks
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Clematis leaf browning is a common problem in many types of clematis plants. The cause may be too much water, lack of water, too much sun or shade, poor soil conditions, or damage from insects such as aphids or thrips.
By looking at your picture, it appears that the clematis is planted quite close to small shrub. It's possible that shrub is sucking all the moisture and nutrients from the soil, so that the clematis is not getting what it needs. Or it could be poor drainage as a result of compacted soil.
Another possibility is too much sun, causing leaf scorch and dryness if the soil has little or no moisture. If your plant is getting too much sun and turning brown, it may be time to move it into a shadier spot where there will be less stress on the plant’s leaves. Conversely, if your clematis is planted in an area that gets less than five hours of direct sunlight each day, its leaves will begin to turn brown as it attempts to protect itself from the lack of light by withdrawing nutrients from its foliage.
Nitrogen is needed to produce new growth, but too much of it will cause the plant’s roots to burn out and die. Fertilizer with low nitrogen will provide just enough nutrients for healthy growth without causing damage to the plant.
Clematis prefer moist, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly
alkaline in pH. If your soil tends to be acidic, you should sweeten it periodically with limestone or a little wood ash. If you do not know your soil's pH level, you might consider conducting a soil test in the area where it is planted.
Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. You can obtain them at the link below. Full instructions are there and also come with the kits. The cost is $25. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments. Be sure to tell them what you plan to plant in the area being tested.
https://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.htm
The link below will give you some general information on caring for clematis.
https://extension.psu.edu/clematis-queen-of-the-vines
By looking at your picture, it appears that the clematis is planted quite close to small shrub. It's possible that shrub is sucking all the moisture and nutrients from the soil, so that the clematis is not getting what it needs. Or it could be poor drainage as a result of compacted soil.
Another possibility is too much sun, causing leaf scorch and dryness if the soil has little or no moisture. If your plant is getting too much sun and turning brown, it may be time to move it into a shadier spot where there will be less stress on the plant’s leaves. Conversely, if your clematis is planted in an area that gets less than five hours of direct sunlight each day, its leaves will begin to turn brown as it attempts to protect itself from the lack of light by withdrawing nutrients from its foliage.
Nitrogen is needed to produce new growth, but too much of it will cause the plant’s roots to burn out and die. Fertilizer with low nitrogen will provide just enough nutrients for healthy growth without causing damage to the plant.
Clematis prefer moist, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly
alkaline in pH. If your soil tends to be acidic, you should sweeten it periodically with limestone or a little wood ash. If you do not know your soil's pH level, you might consider conducting a soil test in the area where it is planted.
Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. You can obtain them at the link below. Full instructions are there and also come with the kits. The cost is $25. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments. Be sure to tell them what you plan to plant in the area being tested.
https://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.htm
The link below will give you some general information on caring for clematis.
https://extension.psu.edu/clematis-queen-of-the-vines
