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Italian leather flower · Clematis viticella

Why are there bugs on my Italian leather flower?

Seeing small insects on your Clematis viticella is usually a sign of aphids. These tiny pests love to cluster on the tender new growth during the spring. Check the undersides of the leaves and the tips of the stems first.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of new leaves for clusters of small insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, soft bodied insects clustered on new shoots or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting or grouping it with others. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use neem oil to manage the population.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your italian leather flower

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

A few aphids are normal in spring, but you should act if you see curling leaves or stunted growth. If the infestation covers the whole plant, it can weaken your clematis significantly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and good airflow to discourage pests. Check your plant weekly during the spring growth spurt.

Italian leather flower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your italian leather flower and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my clematis?
Usually no, but they can stress the plant and cause distorted growth. It is best to remove them early.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
Yes, but use a mild, non-degreasing soap diluted in water. Avoid soaps with heavy fragrances or additives.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Italian leather flower

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This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.