This is a disease mainly of large-flowered hybrids. Small-flowered hybrids, the species and their cultivars are less susceptible to wilt. Try the lovely small-flowered species if you have had trouble with wilt in the past. Powdery mildew may occur, often on plants in areas with poor air circulation. Aphids may feed early in the season on new growth.
Mites cause a fading of green leaf color, making the leaves look dusty or yellowed.
Slugs may attack newly planted plants or even feed on the bark of young stems. Rabbits and mice may feed on stems, girdling them. Despite this list of potential problems, most clematis are trouble-free once established. They are excellent for use on trellises, fences and walls. Clematis need at least 6 hours of sun to flower best, but in South Carolina they will benefit from some shade during the afternoon.