For the past couple of years I've had a slight problem with clematis wilt on all 7 clematis types (Nelly Moser being the worst). I've just learned that I should add bone meal to increase the alkaline in my soil. I don't have the time to tackle this right now (mid-August). Would it be a good thing to do this when I cut down the affected vines in the fall, or would it be best to wait until next spring? Or possibly do it both in the fall and spring?

MaureenQC, I would use it now and in the spring. Are your Clematis all in the ground or pots?

I have 9 clematis (4 Jackmanii & 5 other types) planted in the ground 5-10 years ago. Does this make a difference?

This is the only problem I've ever had with them.

MaureenQC, Do you have access to some pine or fir needles? Here in the PNW/Evergreen State that is all around us. I have two C. Jackmaniis in the ground
and they do great!! I also have C. EV in the ground after it broke the wiskey barrel it was in. All the rest of ours are in pots with rich Potting Soil. They are do great and little wilt. If I do find wilt the vines are remove as soon as they are found, cleaning up the soil of any leaves that dropped. Do you fertlize? If so it's always best the it's not put at their feet but out away from that area. Hope this helps.

karmahappytoes

I think my problem is that I've not paid enough attention to how I'm feeding them, and also not acting at the first sign of wilt. In the case of the latter, by the time I've noticed the "wilt", the plants have become a tangled mass of vines and flowers making it difficult to remove the affected vines. So to be on the safe side, I'll add the bone meal in the next week or two, and also in the spring. And next year, make a point of checking early for "wilt" and use the good old elbow grease to remove the affected vines.

Thanks for the advice.

MaureenQC, I check ours daily and today I found just two stems on one and let me tell you it's a pain to remove. I trace them down to the soil before pulling the leaves first then the stem. Being sure to clean up any that might drop on the soil. I deal with over 30 at this point and time.