Clematis Expertise Wanted!

[Cmitchell]

Please see all the Duchess Albany Clematis photos here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/38603329@N07/sets/72157635202120512/
The Clematis has been in the ground for about 8 years in an ideal spot. It has been sprayed against diseases and against aphids & whitefly. We have fed it with tomato feed. We are still stumped as to causes of leaf discolouration and general poor leaf health. Point to note is that a few leaves are slightly lighter coloured nearer edges and darker near middles. As you can see from the pictures it does still flower, but health wise it is far from how it should look. Any ideas? All suggestions greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance. CMitchell.

[friedgreentomato]

When I have had clematis in the past that have suffered I have done a harsh cutback at the end of the season, also did you know they like to keep their roots cool so if you have some large pebbles that you can lay at the base of the plant.

Make sure the roots are not being smotherd by other plants as well.

Hope this helps.

[heathfield]

Could it be 'clematis wilt'?...

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=125

[Cmitchell]

Thanks but definitely NOT clematis wilt. This poor health has been going on for years (almost all the years it has been in). Any other suggestions folks? Cheers

[friedgreentomato]

do you have any cats or dogs?

[SlackAlice]

Sometimes, just to prove us wrong I think, plants just don't like being in an 'ideal' place. Any chance you could take a cutting and try it somewhere else in the garden.

Some time ago I obtained a double hibiscus which I had been looking for some time. Planted it in the 'ideal' situation and gave it loads of tender loving care. It's response was to look weedy, poor if any growth, no flowers to speak of and leaves that fell off at the drop of a hat, all this over a period of about five years.

As I've only got a small garden I have no room for failures, so moved it to a place which was the opposite off its ideal situation and was resigned to digging it up when it finally died. Well, that was five years ago and it's now 6ft tall 4ft diameter and covered in blooms and people are always pestering me for cuttings. Perverse or what?