By Bernard
Cambridgeshire,
United Kingdom 
Clematis problem - second try.
The clematis is called Haku Ookan and is suffering from a problem that no one seems to be able to identify. It seems to be perfectly healthy in all respects except that the buds are opening into distorted and discoloured as the picture illustrates. So far the only suggestion has been to spray it with Roseclear and check if the insides of the buds has any nasties in residence. Having done this I can see no sign of any nasties and the rest of the plant seems clear of any bugs. I'm asking this question for the second time in the hope that a clematis expert missed it the first time round. My local garden centre is stumped and asked me to let them know if the mystery is solved. The British Clematis Society have not yet responded to my query, but if somehow GoY finds answer, there are a lot of people who are dying to know.
On plant
.Clematis
15 Jun, 2010
Answers
Has it ever flowered properly? To be honest, this kind of malformation is usually associated with a virus of some sort.
15 Jun, 2010
What condition are the leaves in, Bernard, any signs of distortion or twisting or yellow patterning?
15 Jun, 2010
The rest of the plant seems to be growing normally and the leaves are healthy.
15 Jun, 2010
With no insect infestation, and normal leaves and growth otherwise, I'd assume this is a rogue plant, either with a virus that affects the flowers, or some genetic malformation which affects its flowers. If its a recent purchase, I'd return it to where I got it from and get a replacement.
16 Jun, 2010
Thanks Bamboo,
It's at least three years since yhe plant was purchased by a gardener and I think the easiest solution for me will be to buy another plant. One thing concerns me.
If it is a virus, would I be running a risk by planting another Clematis in the same place?
16 Jun, 2010
Have the flowers always been like this, every year, or just this year?
16 Jun, 2010
From memory, I'd have to say the flowers have probably deteriorated each year.
16 Jun, 2010
Well its unlikely to be transmissable to a new plant, whatever it is, I'm reckoning a rogue plant rather than its falling victim to something. Though I'm not sure I'd risk buying another the same, simply because it might be a problem with that particular variety, and the same problem might occur.
17 Jun, 2010
I certainly wont be buying the same plant again, Bamboo. I'm sure you're right and it's a problem with the variety. Thanks again for your interest and help.
17 Jun, 2010
Previous question
could the buds have may be caught the late frost we had! just a thought.
15 Jun, 2010