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Clematis

Why are there bugs on my clematis?

It is less common for clematis to have major pest issues, but aphids or spider mites can occasionally settle in. Check the undersides of the leaves and the new growth for tiny insects or webbing.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new buds and stems. They often cause the leaves to curl or look distorted.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

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

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant and wash the leaves thoroughly with water. Use neem oil once a week if the infestation remains heavy.

Find out what's wrong with your clematis

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

Treat the plant as soon as you see damage to prevent the pests from spreading to the entire vine. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full colony will weaken the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your clematis healthy with proper watering and good air circulation to make it less attractive to pests.

Keep your clematis healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?
It is better to use a dedicated insecticidal soap. Household dish soap can sometimes be too harsh and damage the delicate leaves of your clematis.
Will these bugs kill my clematis?
Usually no, but they can stunt growth and make the plant look unsightly. Catching them early keeps your vine growing strong.

More problems with Clematis

Back to the Clematis guide

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