An Easy Approach to Clematis Pruning

As gardener look forward to the pleasure of natural spring , we often turn topruningto work out our green thumbs . make love when and how to prune clematis ( Clematisspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–11 ) is often shrouded in confusion . However , arming yourself with a few basic principles will make the decision - making process much easier .

Clematisare divided into three pruning groups found on blossom time and whether the bloom are produced on old Sir Henry Joseph Wood ( growth from the premature twelvemonth ) or on new wood ( ontogeny from the current season ) . Figuring out which mathematical group a works falls into will be your first task .

Group 1: Spring-blooming clematis that need little or no pruning

These are the early - bloom clematis that ruffle their flower power in early spring . There are both evergreen plant and deciduous type , and all flower on old growth from the previous twelvemonth . These are often vigorous cultivator , and I rule they are most beautiful if left to twine their way through the branches of shrubs or small flowering tree . If a clematis is sited properly , pruning is generally unnecessary . However , if outer space is limited and growth must be contained , pruning should be done as soon as the plant has finished flowering . This take into account copious time for fresh development to develop , including the bloom bud that will bloom the undermentioned year .

Examples of Group 1 clematis

Group 2: Repeat bloomers that are pruned immediately after flowering

Like the clematis in Group 1 , these large - flowered cultivar rosiness on old wood . For the plant to bloom successfully , most of the maturation from the previous yr must be left integral . These large - flowered beauties , which include double and semi - double cultivar , benefit from promiscuous pruning immediately after flowering . If you supply a little supplemental fertilizer after pruning , you will be rewarded with new ontogeny and a spot of reblooming later in the season .

For group 1 and 2 , it is okay to remove dead or weak stems before the buds begin break-dance in late winter to early spring . It is also helpful to cut any stem tips that are not alive back to a sound span of bud .

example of Group 2 clematis

Group 3: Midsummer and late summer clematis to cut back annually

entirely flower on new wood form by the current time of year ’s growth , this group do good from an aggressive annual chop some 12 inches or less above soil level . If you are merely trying to keep the plant ’s size within the parameters of your trellis or financial support system , top growth can be turn out back to a healthy pair of buds as you take for set . A clematis in Group 3 will flower if left unpruned , but the effect is often a flora that is bare at the base with flowers well above an enjoyable viewing height .

Other types within this group

Group 3: Nonclimbing clematis types

Nonclimbing clematislack the modified leaf petioles that allow most clematis to wax . Solitary clematis ( Clematis integrifolia , Zones 3–7 ) grows from below ground each year , and old stems do not usually stay on feasible . Prune it as you would any other herbaceous perennial , and remove all canes at ground level yearly .

Shrub clematis , also call tube clematis ( C. heracleifolia , Zones 3–8 ) has a growth habit exchangeable to that of a small bush . The cane or stem can become quite thick and woody , let the plant to get 2 to 3 feet magniloquent and wide . This clematis can be pruned to the ground every year , but it look most interesting if a shrublike form is developed and maintained .

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I Am Happy clematis

I Am™ Happy clematis (Clematis’Zoiamha', Zones 4–9) is a Group 3 cultivar that can be cut back annually, since it blooms on the current season’s growth.Photo: Adam Glas

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close up of Mountain clematis

Mountain clematis can be pruned after flowering, but pruning is often not necessary for this vigorous grower and others in its pruning group.Photo: courtesy of bcballard viaWikimedia Commons

Lech Walesa clematis

‘Lech Walesa’ is a Group 2 beauty that may rebloom if it is lightly pruned and fertilized just after it flowers.Photo: Adam Glas

clematis branch before and after pruning

Cutting a weak or dead branch tip back to a healthy pair of buds will improve the look of Group 2 clematis.Photos: Adam Glas

Rooguchi clematis

‘Rooguchi’ clematis (C.Rooguchi’, Zones 4–8) is a nonvining type in Group 3 that flowers on new wood. It can be cut back to about a foot above the ground in late winter or early spring.Photo: Adam Glas

I Am Happy clematis before and after pruning

To keep I Am™ Happy clematis within the bounds of its trellis, the plant has been cut back quite heavily, leaving pairs of healthy buds at the end of each remaining stem.Photo: Adam Glas

clematis before and after being fully cut back