Montana clematus

Caroline Tester

Hi my Montana clemathus has been caught by the frost. The buds has died. Does this mean that the plant has died. My other clematus Montanas are in full bud so why has this one been caught.

Fairygirl

Hi Caroline, it's very unusual for montanas to be affected by cold weather - they're very tough. It won't mean it's died though, and you should get more buds appearing.

Is it a new/young plant or an established one? Young plants will find it tougher to cope with the range of temps and weather conditions.

Dovefromabove

I know it sounds unlikely but is there any way it could be suffering from drought at the roots? Sometimes the flower buds will dry and either if the plant doesn't get enough water.

darren636

Perhaps stem damage?

Richard Hodson

Check the stems lower down and see if there is any sticky, gooey stuff oozing out from any wounds, this is slime flux and is a disease that can attack clematis.

Fairygirl

Haven't heard of that before Richard. Is it a common problem, and does it affect some types of clematis more than others?

Richard Hodson

I have only heard about it on montanas but the RHS website says that it attacks several groups, mainly in Spring.

Fairygirl

That's really helpful Richard. I'll keep an eye out - perhaps I've been lucky! 

Caroline Tester

Thank you. Given it lots of water. Plant looks healthy just the buds have all dried up. The plant is five years old. Only time will tell. Let us hope it will be in leaf in a months time. Many thanks

Passionate

My Montana died with clematis rot in its second year so well done to you, I was so angry with myself but guess that's the joys of gardening.

 Does anyone know how far away from a tree montana 's should be planted, or any other type of clematis for that matter?????