| A cutworm ate my clematis. Will it come back from the roots? Or will I have to purchase a new one and protect it? |
| Cutworms usually "saw" through stems, causing the plant to tip over. They also eat foliage. If the root system was healthy, the plant should sprout again. To check for cutworms, dig around the soil to a depth of an inch with your finger. They are easy to find, about 1/2 inch in length and sort of grayish. You can also place boards or pieces of cardboard around. Oftentimes they will crawl under during the day for protection (they do their destruction during the night) and then you can find and squish them. I'd suggest putting a cardboard "collar" around the plant, at least one inch deep to protect it. Good luck! |
