What's eating my clematis 'comtesse de bouchaud'?

Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' is a reliable pink summer clematis pruned hard each year. The burst of soft spring growth attracts aphids and is targeted by slugs and snails near the crown. Caterpillars of moth species can also chew foliage during summer. Prompt action in spring when growth is most tender prevents most damage.

Clusters of small insects on new shoot tips; sticky honeydew and leaf distortion Remove by hand or with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed

Chewed or severed stems at ground level in early spring; slime trails visible nearby Iron phosphate pellets around the crown, sharp-grit mulch, hand-picking after dark

Holes in leaves and occasionally stripped stems in summer; look for eggs on leaf undersides Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavier infestations