Clematis Pruning Techniques

Pruning Techniques

For a clematis to produce the most abundant and dreamy display of flowers, you must understand when and when not to prune. Let us quickly discuss the 3 Prune Groups of Clematis

• Group 1 (Early Bloomers):
  This group of clematis produce their flowers directly from old stems and, therefore, pruning must not be done until right after all flowering has been completed. These flowers are early-bloomers. A larger plant means more blooms.
  
  Prune this group by removing all dead and weak stems immediately after flowering. Large established plants over 15 feet are normally not pruned, especially if they are growing in trees. All stems at this time should be tied into position on their trellis or other host. Also, if the Clematis has outgrown their space the correct and only time to prune to size is right after flowering is done. After pruning new growth will begin, this being the stems for next year's flowers.
  
  Examples: Montana Grandiflora, Montana Mayleen, Montana Rubens
  
  

• Group 2 (Mid Season & Repeat Bloomers):
  In this group all first flowering comes from last season's ripened stems. In early Spring watch for swelling leaf buds beginning to show. If your plant is healthy, is growing rapidly, and growing conditions are ideal, plants in this variety can bloom a second and sometimes third time.
  
  Pruning is not required for this group. Cut all dead material off above these swelling buds. Be sure all growth is tied to trellis at this time. Do not tie too tightly, so growth can begin and not hampered by tying too tight or cracking these stems.
  
  Examples: Silver Moon, Duchess of Edinburgh, H.F Young
  
  
• Group 3 (Late Bloomers):
  This group blooms later and from new growth. While pruning not necessary, to keep the plants looking tidy and full, this group should be pruned in late Autumn, after a hard freeze, or early Spring as new leaf buds begin to show low on the plant. All dead material above these buds should be removed at this time. Clean out any old foliage or foliage with mildew at this time.
  
  Examples: Huldine, Viticella Purpurea Plena Elegans, The President