droopy clem

[Pythia]

I recently planted a clematis montana in my front garden, and it started rompting away like only a montana can, but now it's going droopy. Is this the dreaded Clematis Wilt and if so what should I do? The leaves up to 3 foot are fine, but the rest (another 3 - 5 foot) are looking sooo sad. If I cut it back to the sound leaves, wil that fix it?

[alan30]

Sounds like the plant is trying to match available resources from the disturbed roots to the rest of the plant.  Essentially it is self pruning and I would have thought so soon after a move that is the reason behind the problem.  Personally I would reduce it back to a good live point below the wilt and give the roots chance to establish properly.  I assume you have watered it; water well every 7-10 days rather than a light water every day.

[Clanad]

Too bad for your Montana... the spring and early summer pale flowers are beautiful! Really, though, the conditions you describe are not the usual Clematis Wilt symptoms.  True wilt will appear almost over night and usually the entire plant is affected.  The leaves turn black and purple to red veins appear on the major stalk.  You could have a condition called slime flux... which is caused by damage to one of the main stems.  Bacteria invades the damaged stem and causes the plant to have the appearance of dying.  Cut out any droopy parts, all the way to the ground, if necessary. 

This late in the season, it's not uncommon for Clematis to droop and wilt, especially Montana since it's an early bloomer.

Just in case, though, I would cut the plant back somewhat and apply dormant oil mixed with water... It's a smelly concoction, since the dormant oil is sulphur based.  Don't get any on your good shoes!  Spray the surrounding area of the roots and then do it again in the spring before it starts growing.  It's environmentally friendly. This will take care of any fungus spores.

Keep in mind Montana, being the early bloomer she is, should, normally, only be pruned back to sound wood, since it re-blooms on old wood, unlike some other varities... Good luck! (By the way, you did fertilize didn't you? Rose food is is good for this)