Aw such a shame ,really annoying Izzy. sorry i am not sure what you should do but I just wanted to sympathise with you .

Unlikely to be Clematis Wilt - it wouldn't happen overnight like that - over a couple of days possibly, but not overnight. Check the plant near the base to see if the stems have been broken - that would account for it.

Ooops! Hubby has just said it was looking 'poorly' the other day...NOW he tells me! LOL. I've been away! APPARENTLY, some of the flowers started to 'close up'...his expression... and he thought it just neeeded water...so gave it loads. Two blooms at eye -level are still open...that's what I saw as I passed it last night...didn't notice the others, much higher up!

The stem seems intact, Bamboo...as far as I can tell.

Helen...I could have WEPT! LOL.

Sorry...that should have said, ' two blooms at eye-level WERE still open last night'....they are no longer!

Nothing else you can do - hopefully you removed enough of the top growth to prevent the wilt from killing off the root - in which case it'll regrow either later this year or next spring.

If there is another stem in there, Bamboo, is it safe to leave it...or do I dig around tomorrow and get any remaining stems? It's so difficult to see WHICH stem is WHICH! The Festuca is huge and covers the whole of the base...completely!

It's pouring down now...but it won't last...never does!

Thanks!

Were it mine, I'd be determinedly seeking out any remaining stems for inspection, if not cutting back..

Ok...I take it ALL stems need removing then? In between the showers, I had another look. I think there might be a stem that still looks healthy...is that possible? Would that also be affected soon...if left? There is one flower tucked in there. :-//

If any remaining stems are perfectly healthy, leave them in situ, just take any wilted looking ones - and keep an eye on the growth that's left.

One healthy one left...another one drooping this morning so have removed that one! The same thing happened some years ago...I am wondering if I should cut the whole lot back this autumn...Honeysuckle as well as clematis etc. Start again?

If it dies and you want to replace it grow the new one up through a piece of old drainpipe or an old chimney pot. The wilt spores attack at the base of the plant, and this ploy prevents them reaching it. This was told me by a gardener of a huge garden with lovely clematis- I think it was Bodnant in N Wales.

Thanks for that, Steragram.I've just checked and there is still the one solitary flower on an apparently healthy stem! Looks very forlorn!

Good tip to remember though!