Pruning Clematis
Pruning clematis can be confusing because there are different types and they each require different rules. However, once you identify the type of clematis you have, it isn’t that difficult. Keep in mind that pruning incorrectly will not harm the vine. Also, not pruning at all is fine too although it can result in a messy and tangled plant.
Clematis montana ‘Freda’, an early flowering variety
Early Blooming Clematis
First, remember this phrase – “If it blooms before June, do not prune”. This refers to the first clematis type – the montana types and the popular evergreen variety Clematis armandii. These clematis are large plants and can blanket a fence or arch. The blooms appear early in the season. The flowers are small but very profuse. They bloom on old wood, that is, wood from the previous season. Therefore, you do not want to cut them back until after they have bloomed. Even then, pruning is optional and is usually done to control the size of the vine. If you do feel the need to prune, cut it back lightly by about 1/3. Do this in June or after the flowers are finished.
Popular clematis in this group are:
Clematis armandii (evergreen clematis)
Clematis montana (‘Freda’, ‘Broughton Star’, ‘Pink Perfection’ etc.)
Clematis alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’
Large Flowered Clematis
These are the most popular types of clematis. They bloom in late spring and will bloom again later in the summer or fall. They bloom on both old and new wood. In late winter or early spring (now), cut out any dead or damaged wood. From there, you have an option. Look at the stems and you will see plump buds forming. You can cut the vines back to about 1 or 2 feet just above a bud if you prefer large flowers in summer. If you want earlier flowers in the spring, cut back by half. Alternately, you can also do a variety of cuts, some short and some higher on the vine, if you desire. Deadhead after the first blooms.
Popular clematis in this group include:
‘Elsa Späth’
‘General Sikorski’
‘Hagley Hybrid’
‘Nelly Moser’
‘Niobe’
‘The President’
‘Rouge Cardinal’
‘Ville de Lyon’
Clematis ‘Chevalier’, a large-flowered variety
Late Blooming Clematis
Finally, there are the late summer blooming clematis that usually bloom up until frost. They are the easiest clematis to prune – just cut them back to the ground (or about one foot from the ground) in late winter or early spring. You can also cut these vines back in the fall but many gardeners find the seed heads attractive throughout the winter.
Some popular varieties in this group include:
‘Bill MacKenzie’
‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’
‘Etoille Violette’
‘Jackmanii’
‘Perle d’Azur’
‘Polish Spirit’
‘Ville de Lyon’
Sweet Autumn clematis
Clematis tangutica ‘Bill MacKenzie’
