Clematis pruning guide
Group 1 – Spring
No pruning needed except to control the size or shape of these clematis.
If necessary, lightly prune, back to a pair of healthy buds, immediately after flowering
Tip: Early flowering clematis can become overgrown as they age. A hard pruning can rejuvenate the plant but the next seasons flowers will be lost. In early spring, cut stems back to a pair of healthy buds several inches above the ground to encourage new growth
Group 2 – Midseason
Prune annually to maintain a well balanced framework of old and new growth
In late winter or early spring, shorten stems by 15-25cm cutting back to a pair of healthy bud
Tip: By pruning some of the previous year’s stems back by about 40cms, it is possible to prolong the flowering period of these clematis. The stems are cut back the hardest will produce flowers slightly later than the other
Group 3 – Late Summer
These clematis need annual pruning to encourage new flower-bearing shoots.
In late winter or early spring, cut back to a pair of healthy buds 15-30cms above ground.
Tip: If they have been neglected for a long time, it is usually easier to replace the plant, rather than try and rejuvenate it
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