What's eating my clematis recta?

Clematis recta is an herbaceous, non-climbing clematis that grows up from the ground each year, making its soft new shoots especially vulnerable to slugs and snails in spring. Aphids attack the flower heads and stems in summer. Rabbits and deer readily browse the emerging clumps before supports are in place.

Shoots eaten to stumps at soil level in spring; slime trails across foliage Use iron phosphate slug pellets; spread sharp grit around the crown; set beer traps

Colonies form on flower stems and buds in summer, secreting honeydew and causing distortion Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; spray with a hard jet of water to dislodge

Entire clumps of new growth sheared off cleanly; especially severe in early spring Surround clumps with wire mesh; apply rabbit repellent spray to emerging shoots