
Clematis are often considered some of the best flowering climbers and it is easy to see why. With over 350 clematis species, there are many different shapes, sizes, and forms to admire. Some are evergreen, such as Clematis armandii, which is prized for producing winter blooms, while most are flowering perennials that erupt with color in spring or summer, like Clematis jackmanii, with its large, star-shaped purple blooms, seen in the image above.
When considering how to grow clematis, many gardeners will consider these climbers as low-maintenance, which for the most part, is true. We are used to seeing clematis happily trailing and vining over fences and garden walls, producing a bounty of flowers and lush new foliage every year. However, clematis plants can sometimes appear sickly, with yellowing and browning foliage a cause for concern. While this is rarely fatal, prompt and effective treatment can prevent small issues from spiraling into bigger problems.