What's eating my clematis 'westerplatte'?

Clematis 'Westerplatte' is a compact, large-flowered hybrid particularly prone to aphid attack on its striking deep-red buds and new growth. Earwigs damage the showy double-layer petals at night. Slugs can be destructive at ground level in spring. Its dense growth habit can also harbour earwigs behind fences.

Dense clusters on young shoots and flower buds; growth distorts; sticky honeydew and sooty mold Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; blast with water; attract predatory insects

Ragged holes in petals and leaves; damage found when flowering in early summer Set straw-filled tube traps near the base; remove by hand at night

Emerging shoots eaten at soil level in spring; tell-tale slime trails Use iron phosphate pellets; place grit or eggshell barrier at crown; use beer traps