What's eating my clematis 'jackmanii'?

Clematis 'Jackmanii' faces aphids on tender spring growth, slugs and snails on emerging shoots, and occasional earwig petal damage. Because it is cut hard back each winter, the vulnerable soft regrowth in spring is the prime attack window. Good airflow and mulch management reduce most pressure.

Sticky, curled shoot tips; colonies of green or black aphids visible on new growth Remove by hand or with a strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract natural predators

Chewed or completely severed emerging stems at or just above soil level in spring Apply iron phosphate pellets around the crown; use gritty mulch; hand-pick after dark

Irregular petal and leaf notching, especially on lower parts of the plant Place inverted flowerpots stuffed with straw on canes nearby; empty traps each morning