Leaves Turning Brown on Clematis

Question

I have a white clematis that I planted last year. It had beautiful white “mum” style flowers and then the vine turned brown and crunchy, dry looking. What is it, and should I cut it down to the ground? Or do something else with it?

Answer 1

If the stems are dead, you can cut them away. Clematis stems can be quite fragile, so it is possible that a stiff wind broke the stem lower down on the plant. Only cut away what is brown and brittle. Leave anything that is still green and pliable as this is still alive and will regrow.