clematis
By Sjw
gloucestershire,
United Kingdom 
I planted a clematis earlier in the season, the flowers have bloomed but all the leaves on the plant have turned brown and died. If this is wilt would the best solution be to prune right back to soil level and replant, is now the best time or should I wait for all flowers to die. I have the same type of clematis, still in a small pot, the leaves are fine on this hence the delay in planting as I do not want the same to happen.
20 Jul, 2009
Answers
Agree with the above, except to say that wilt usually presents as one or two stems going greyish at the top and drooping - if ignored, the whole shoot withers back to the base and then the whole plant may collapse. Withered shoots should be removed as soon as they are seen. This does not sound like wilt, though - its drought.
20 Jul, 2009
Previous question
« We've got a plot of over an acre, which we are slowly cultivating. However...
It's not necessarily Clematis Wilt which is a disease which makes the WHOLE plant collapse overnight.
It's more likely to be drought .... plants should be planted about 6" deep in good soil and watered fanatically/religiously for a couple of months after.
Feel deep down into the soil, it should feel moist.
(just to be a complete anorak on the subject .... Clematis need 9 litres/2 gallons of water per week!!!)
20 Jul, 2009