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Identifying aphids on Clematis
Clusters of small green or black insects on new shoot tips and flower buds, often with sticky honeydew nearby.
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Life cycle
Reproduce rapidly without mating in spring/summer. One female can produce 80+ offspring per week. Multiple generations per year.
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Damage to Clematis
Aphids sap-suck on tender new growth and flower buds, causing distorted shoots and potentially malformed or fewer blooms if buds are heavily infested.
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How to treat aphids on Clematis
Spray forcefully with water to dislodge aphids, or apply insecticidal soap for persistent infestations. Encourage ladybirds in the garden.
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Preventing aphids on Clematis
Inspect new growth and buds regularly in spring, and avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser, which produces the soft growth aphids prefer.