Category: Water / fertiliser

Symptoms: Whole plant turns black starting from the new growth tip.  Leaf margins are the first to show the problem.

Parts Affected: Whole Plant Cause: Over watering 

Description: This problem can occur for two reasons. 1) The plant is planted in a wet or non draining position such in clay. 2)The owner of the plant believes clematis need plenty of water and deliberately over waters the plant.

Remedy: Over watering causes the roots to die, which in turn causes the shoots to dieback from the tips and the leaves to turn black. If you notice this problem, stop watering immediately.

**** please note: similar symptoms are present when the plant is over fertilise with a quick release fertiliser!