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.
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