Pest identification
What's eating my clematis 'bill mackenzie'?
Aphids
Signs: Soft shoot tips become colonised in spring; leaves curl and sticky honeydew coats stems
Control: Insecticidal soap spray or neem oil; water jet to remove colonies; encourage ladybirds
Earwigs
Signs: Petals and young leaves develop ragged holes; damage appears overnight on sheltered plants
Control: Trap in inverted pots stuffed with paper or straw; hand-pick after dark
Rabbits
Signs: Stems cleanly browsed to stubs at ground level in early spring
Control: Protect the base with a spiral guard or fine wire mesh cylinder
Keep clematis 'bill mackenzie' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' pests — FAQ
What is eating my clematis 'bill mackenzie'?
Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', a strong-growing tangutica-type, is generally robust but still attracts aphids on tender new growth and earwigs that shred its small, nodding petals. Rabbits may browse emerging stems in spring. Its rapid regrowth means pest damage is rarely fatal if managed early in the season.
How do I get rid of aphids on clematis 'bill mackenzie'?
Soft shoot tips become colonised in spring; leaves curl and sticky honeydew coats stems Insecticidal soap spray or neem oil; water jet to remove colonies; encourage ladybirds
How do I get rid of earwigs on clematis 'bill mackenzie'?
Petals and young leaves develop ragged holes; damage appears overnight on sheltered plants Trap in inverted pots stuffed with paper or straw; hand-pick after dark
How do I get rid of rabbits on clematis 'bill mackenzie'?
Stems cleanly browsed to stubs at ground level in early spring Protect the base with a spiral guard or fine wire mesh cylinder