What's eating my clematis 'niobe'?

Clematis 'Niobe' produces rich ruby blooms that can attract earwigs as well as aphids on tender growth. Slugs and snails are the most damaging threat in early spring when velvety new stems emerge from the crown. Good garden hygiene and a gritty mulch around the base keep most pests manageable.

Young stems severed or heavily notched at ground level in spring; slime trails visible Use iron phosphate pellets, gritty mulch around the crown, and hand-pick after dark in wet weather

Colonies on soft shoot tips causing sticky, curled growth and honeydew deposits Blast off with water; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds

Irregular holes and notches in petals and upper leaves overnight Place rolled-newspaper or straw traps near the plant; collect earwigs each morning and dispose