• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Something-Eating-Clematis-Buds.jpg

Something Eating Clematis Buds

I am wondering what's happening to my clematis buds.  Either pests or disease seems to be eating away at the buds before they are able to open.  It seems to start at the fattest part of the bud on only on one side.  Can you tell me if you know what's going on?

Not only do we love clematis, but so do earwigs! These insects can be found eating holes in leaves and flowers of clematis and other garden plants.  The earwigs prefer cool dark damp places to hide.  Use this to your advantage and try trapping these hungry critters. Rolled up newspaper laying at the base of the plant, cardboard cylinder from a roll of paper towels filled with straws or in old tuna fish cans baited with fish oil or vegetable oil make great traps. Place those traps out in the early evening and in the morning dump the trapped earwigs into a container of soapy water.  In Europe gardeners move the trapped earwigs to their fruit trees to feed on the codling moth larvae.  Fortunately the earwig feeding won't harm the plant - just annoy you and ruin the floral display. If you opt for an insecticide read and follow all label directions carefully.  Keep in mind these products can also harm the all important bees that may be visiting your clematis blooms.  So consider using one of the more eco-friendly products that is gentler on the environment and beneficial insects.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024 

New Richmond, WI
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

June 1, 2024

Selecting, Planting, Pruning and Caring for Hydrangeas
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

June 5, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Under-Appreciated Pollinators
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW