Pest identification
What's eating my clematis montana?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, distorted shoot tips in spring; honeydew deposits below colonies
Control: Hose off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; the plant usually outgrows light infestations
Caterpillars (moth larvae)
Signs: Holes or skeletonised patches in leaves during summer; silk webbing sometimes present
Control: Pick off caterpillars by hand; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut stems and stripped bark at the base, especially on young plants in spring
Control: Wrap the base in wire mesh or spiral tree guards; plant clematis inside a wire cage until established
Keep clematis montana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Clematis montana pests — FAQ
What is eating my clematis montana?
Clematis montana is a vigorous early-flowering species that can grow very large, so pest pressure is generally low. Aphids occasionally hit young growth, and caterpillars of certain moths may feed on foliage. Rabbits and deer browse fresh young stems in exposed gardens, particularly when growth is newly emerging in spring.
How do I get rid of aphids on clematis montana?
Sticky, distorted shoot tips in spring; honeydew deposits below colonies Hose off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; the plant usually outgrows light infestations
How do I get rid of caterpillars (moth larvae) on clematis montana?
Holes or skeletonised patches in leaves during summer; silk webbing sometimes present Pick off caterpillars by hand; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations
How do I get rid of rabbits on clematis montana?
Clean-cut stems and stripped bark at the base, especially on young plants in spring Wrap the base in wire mesh or spiral tree guards; plant clematis inside a wire cage until established