By Mrsppovey
We have had a Clematis Montana growing outside our front door, which has spread and grown a large branch formation extending over a balcony above, for a number of years, but last year it was besieged with wasps that seem to like its leaves, so we employed a Wasp Exterminator to get rid of the wasps. He sprayed the plant with a chemical which has made the bough go black and although it looks as if it is dying, the leaves above the bough seem to be still growing. My question is, should I remove the whole thing and replace it with another clematis montana, which was beautiful, and if so, how deep do the roots go down if it needs to be removed. Hope you can help.
11 Oct, 2014
Answers
the roots are very invasive as it goes .
11 Oct, 2014
You could cut it right back to ground level. This will rejuvenate the plant, although you will not get any flowers next year as they flower on the previous year's growth.
Clematis montana is a tough beast!
12 Oct, 2014
personally I'd get in touch with the wasp people and ask what they used and if it is known to damage plants.
I'd leave the plant until spring and see how it responds. It might just need pruning back to before the 'damage'.
11 Oct, 2014