Dealing with clematis fungus
Why do all my clematis seem to die back after blooming, turning all brown? They become quite unsightly. -- Gerry Walford, Northport
It sounds like your plant has a disease called clematis wilt, caused by the Ascochyta clematidinacq/pb fungus. The bad news is fungicides won’t be of any help and there is no cure. The good news is you still might be able to combat it.
First, be sure to clean up the area thoroughly, disposing of any fallen leaves and plant debris in the trash. If you don’t, they’ll reinfect the plant next year.
Keep a watchful eye on new growth in the spring, and be vigilant about removing every trace of brown or wilted leaf and stem, cutting the stems completely off at or below the soil line.
Fertilize sparingly, be sure there is adequate room for air circulation all around the plant, and don’t overwater. It’s best to water infrequently but thoroughly.
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