Just like any other plant in your garden, your clematis can occasionally run into some uninvited guests. When it comes to these beautiful vines, aphids are usually the main culprits, but you might also deal with vine weevils or thrips. The secret to keeping your plants happy is to act fast and stay consistent once you spot a problem.
Kicking Aphids to the Curb
Right around springtime, when most clematis varieties are pushing out fresh new growth, aphids love to move in and start sucking out that sweet plant sap. Luckily, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of them; a few simple DIY remedies usually do the trick. The easiest way? Just give your plants a good, strong blast with the garden hose to knock them off. If they’re being stubborn, try spraying your clematis with one of these tried-and-true mixtures:
- For a mild case: Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap and 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol into a quart of water.
- For a bigger infestation: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a small squirt of dish soap into a quart of water.
Dealing with Vine Weevils
Another common pest you might run into is the vine weevil. These are small, dark beetles about half an inch long that love to munch on clematis leaves and flowers, leaving behind tell-tale notches. Since they’re relatively large and usually don’t show up in huge swarms, you can often just hand-pick them off. If you’d rather take a more “hands-off” approach, you can use bait traps containing beneficial nematodes. Once the weevils come into contact with these microscopic organisms, they’ll be gone within a day or two.
How to Handle Thrips
If you notice tiny, silvery streaks or spots on your leaves, you’re likely looking at thrip damage. These tiny “thunderbugs” suck the life out of the foliage, and because they multiply incredibly fast, you’ll want to jump on the problem immediately. Your best bet for getting rid of them is an eco-friendly insecticide spray made with neem oil or insecticidal soap. It’s tough on the bugs but gentle on your garden!
