Asked on Jul 23, 2016
Clematis leaves are being eaten away
+8
My recently planted Clematis has lost all tender leaves to some critter. What is eating them & how do I stop it?
7 answers
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It really depends on what is eating them. Possibly a bunny so I would make a wire dome to put over it to keep them out. Also try planting garlic around them and even put a healthy dose of cinnamon around it
Sue Kiene
on Jul 24, 2016
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It's probably some bug or caterpiller. Use a few drops of dawn liquid in a sprayer bottle - it will make the leaves slippery and the bugs won't like it. You can also buy a spray for a range of little critters that munch on plants.
Marcie
on Jul 24, 2016
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Are the leaves totally gone? - then a rabbit is most likely. Good advice above from SK. Or try mothballs in a small container with a few poked holes. If leaves have holes or chunks missing, most likely bugs. My clematis(es) are pretty bug free, even Japanese beetles leave them alone. Talk to your local extension agent or Master Gardener group to try to ID the bug and the best way to deal with that pest.
J Wolf
on Jul 25, 2016
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well if she is positive that she does not have bunnies maybe it is earwigs. Are the leaves getting eaten at night or during the day as unless she is heavily infested usually only out at night but an earwig soy trap might be called for. Equal parts soy sauce, molasses or corn syrup, veg oil. Put in a small container like a baby food jar. Bury up to the lip so that they can crawl right in. Put like an aluminum can lid mostly over the top so it makes it dark under there. Check daily and dispose of bugs.
Sue Kiene
on Jul 25, 2016
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Try putting crushed eggshells and copper wire around it. This will make it painful for anything to get to the plant but it is not dangerous to children or pets. I think it is possibly slugs and this method really works.
Angelagloker
on Jul 25, 2016
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Thanks for all your suggestions on how to rid myself of the problem of leaves being chewed off my newly planted clematis. I used a couple of your suggestions... egg shells around the base & sprayed soapy water. Then I discovered a horde of bugs about the size of ladybugs, but with hard ripply grey shells, crawling around the plant. I improvised & shook a generous quantity of red pepper spice around the base of the plant. The next day the bugs were gone & now the plant has fresh new healthy leaves. Just thought I'd share. If anyone has any other comments about the bugs, or anything, I welcome your input. Thanks again!
Sheileagh Leens
on Aug 08, 2016
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Good job. I think I would check around and make sure they did not find another place to go in your garden.
Sue Kiene
on Aug 09, 2016
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