I came home from a few days away to find my Jackmanii clematis covered in dead leaves and buds with a few bits of new growth. It’s been well watered and the base looks ok. My first thought is bright sun after a shower? What should I do to help it? All the plants around it are healthy. I can’t upload a picture because the file is too big! Help!
Thanks for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners. Jackmanii clematis is susceptible to clematis wilt so it is possible that your clematis has contracted this disease. Clematis wilt causes wilting and blackening of the stems of large-flowered (early or late-summer-flowering) hybrid cultivars For a description of the disease and what to do about it click here.
Where wilting is seen on other types of clematis, the cause is more likely to be environmental problems, like drought stress as a result of growing in poor, shallow soil. In general, clematis need well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, full sun to partial shade with a shaded root zone to keep the roots cool. For some guidelines on how to grow and care for clematis vines, click here.
Good luck with your vine.