CLEMATIS CARE

Clematis fall into three basic pruning groups, 1, 2 and 3. Follow this pruning guide for the best care of your Clematis. 

Pruning Group 1:

Pruning Group 1 are the early flowering Clematis that bloom in winter and spring on the previous year’s growth. This group doesn't need pruning, but you can remove old or damaged stems after they have finished flowering to tidy them up if need be. 

Pruning Group 2:

Pruning Group 2 pruning includes Clematis which flower in early summer on short shoots developing from the last year’s growth. Some flower again in late summer on new growth. These Clematis vines should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts and after the first flush of flowers in early summer. 

Remove dead or weak stems before growth begins. Check individual stems from the top down until you reach a pair of healthy buds, and prune just above them, removing the spindly or damaged growth above. Avoid heavy pruning or flowers will be lost. 

To encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season prune back some stems by cutting to large buds or a strong side shoot immediately below the blooms. Top-heavy or overgrown plants can be gradually reduced over two to three seasons by pruning back harder after the first flush of flowers. They are unlikely to produce a second flush of flowers, but should flower again the following year, in late spring or early summer. 

Pruning Group 3: 

Pruning Group 3 includes Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require ‘hard pruning’. Simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 30 cm above ground level before growth begins in early spring.

Combined Pruning Group 2 and 3:

Some mid to late summer flowering clematis may be pruned by combining method 2 and 3, to retain a basic framework while cutting other stems to the base.  This extends the flowering season.