What's eating my clematis 'ernest markham'?

Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is a vigorous late-season cultivar prone to aphid attacks on new growth and slug damage at the crown in spring. Earwigs occasionally notch its vivid magenta petals at night. Because it blooms on new wood and is pruned hard, the annual flush of soft stems is the highest-risk period.

Distorted, sticky shoot tips; honeydew and sooty mould on leaves below Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; blast with water; attract beneficial insects

Holes in young leaves and chewed stems near the base; worst in wet spring weather Wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets; gritty mulch around the crown; hand-pick at night

Ragged, irregular holes in petals and upper leaves, damage noticed in the morning Straw or paper traps on canes; collect and remove earwigs daily during flowering