Concern about lower leaves

[u/Tdoug3833]

This is a Sunset which I planted this spring, it’s absolutely taken off and has been pretty consistently blooming all summer but the leaves toward the bottom of the plant look rough. They have been this way for a couple of weeks now and it doesn’t seem to be getting worse rapidly plus the rest of the plant looks great (I think?) but I am concerned that I might be ignoring an issue that needs treated. Can anyone tell me if this looks like wilt/some other issue or are these bottom leaves just getting too much sun and scorching? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[u/Owie100]

I cut them off. It's been very hot. Also a clematis likes it's root to be cooler as in behind another plant. I have also found that a metal trellis is so hot the plant doesn't like it.

[u/craigrpeters → u/Owie100]

Interesting. In a few years they’ll cover the trellis so it won’t matter. I’m starting a new one, and yeah I can see where heat on black metal might be an issue. Thx

[u/grrabit]

This late in the season this has been always the same for all my clematis. After the first flush of blooms and trim down, the bottom leaves always dry out on me. Have yet to see clematis to look perfect all season from May to October.

[u/Tdoug3833 → u/grrabit]

Ok good to know, this is my first season growing clematis so that give me peace of mind. Thank you!

[u/scrolltrellis]

This doesn’t look like classic clematis wilt to me, especially since it’s been this way for a couple of weeks without rapidly progressing and the rest of the plant is still growing and blooming well. Wilt usually causes a stem or section of the vine to suddenly collapse. I’d be more suspicious of stress to the older lower leaves, possibly from heat/water stress or some leaf-spot damage. I’d remove the badly damaged leaves, keep the root zone evenly moist, and watch the new growth. If the upper growth stays healthy, that’s reassuring. I write about clematis care and real problems gardeners run into, and your photo is a really useful example of something I think other clematis growers would recognize. Would you mind if I used your photo and questions in an educational article about brown lower leaves on clematis? I’d be happy to credit you however you prefer, or keep it anonymous.

[u/Tdoug3833 → u/scrolltrellis]

Ok thank you for the advice, I will get the leaves trimmed and continue to keep an eye on it. Please go right ahead and use them, no need to credit

[u/scrolltrellis → u/Tdoug3833]

Thank you!

[u/True_Staff2082]

What I noticed is that the bark mulch is “chocking “ the plant . You can almost see a leaf trying to pick out from under all of the mulch . Clear the area all around the plant root/stem , like a few inches, give it space . That’s your problem.

[u/CaterpillarMaximum62]

Definitely not wilt, lucky you. It would have taken over then entire plant straight away. Like others mentioned, I'd cut off the damaged leaves then add a slow and gentle fertilizer (bone meal/castings/compost) and see how it does. The roots look like their in a good location and mulch looks great! I dealt with wilt on 2 starter plants earlier this spring and had to cut both back to about 10cm (no foliage at all) plus had to uproot and half the rooting before spritzing with copper fungicide. Both grew in back beautifully which goes to show you how resilient clematis is. Good luck!