Clematis are quite trouble free plants in the garden provided basic rules are followed. I have included a list of every common problem, most of which are minor, but worth including for your passing reference.

1. Cool Roots and good watering: Everybody knows that clematis love cool roots, and that is indeed true. The main reason for this is that they love constant moisture, and that only comes with a cool root run. Large flowered clematis have very deep roots, while the smaller flowered varieties (montana and alpine varieties) have a more fibrous roots. The roots should be kept moist by using a dripper, which will allow moisture to seep deeply into the soil to where the roots are. Sprinklers and hand watering are in my opinion a big no no as they create excessive humidity and don't allow the water to get down deep enough. Excessive humidity will cause diseases such as Clematis wilt to devastate your beautiful plants. Lack of water will cause brown lower leaves and weak growth.

2. Plenty of fertilizer: Clematis are fast growers from spring to autumn. To achieve a strong and vigorous plant, you need plenty of tucker. In the nursery we feed our clematis first thing in spring, when they are just shooting, and after each cut (the clematis are cut after the end of each flush of flowers). Do not feed your clematis when they are just about to flower as this will cause them to drop their flowers early, rush off and grow. I prefer to use a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote, but any good fertilizer would do. Fertilizers high in potassium (such tomato food) will promote good sized flowers and help with disease resistance.

3. Pests to look out for: At certain times of the year, you can expect certain pests. Some years there maybe little or no problem pests, then other years they're everywhere. By keeping a careful eye on your garden, you can often prevent a problem before it gets out of hand. Watch out for some of these guys, they are probably on many of your other garden plants too! None of these pests are exclusive to clematis, but they can be a problem anyway.

Winter/ early Spring: Slugs and snails

Spring/ Summer: Aphids, Earwigs, Caterpillars, Thrips, Two Spotted Mites, Azalea Lacewings.

Autumn: As the weather cools down, so do the pests, except for slugs!!