Pruning of Clematis |
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Clematis
can be a confusing group of plants to prune, since they are not
all pruned the same way. There are four methods that can be applied
to major groups depending on the time of year the plant flowers.
The earliest flowering clematis bloom on old wood, while later flowering
types must produce new growth in order for flower buds to form.
Prune carefully, since vines are usually well entangled. |
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Group A: Early-flowering
Clematis
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Plants
in this group bloom in early spring, generally in April and May,
from buds produced the previous season. Prune these plants immediately
after flowering, but no later than the end of July. This allows
time for new growth to produce flower buds for the next season.
Remove shoots that have bloomed. You can prune out more vines to
reduce the size or to form a good framework of branches, but avoid
cutting into woody trunks. Plants in this group include: C. alpina,
C. macropetala, C. armandii, C. montana and C. chrysocoma. |
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Group B: Large-flowered
Hybrids
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Large-flowered
hybrids bloom from late spring to early summer on short stems from
the previous season's growth and often again in late summer on new
growth, though these blooms are usually smaller. Prune in February
or March by removing dead and weak stems, then cut back the remaining
stems to the topmost pair of large, plump green buds. This cut could
be a 6 inches to 18 inches from the stem tips. Plants in this group
have the tendency to become leafless at the base as they mature.
You can underplant with low, spreading perennials to help conceal
the stems. You may be able to force a flush of new growth from the
base by cutting the vine back to 18 inches immediately after the
flush of bloom in June. Plants in this group include: 'Nelly Moser,'
'Miss Bateman,' 'Lasurstern,' 'Duchess of Edinburgh,' 'Mrs. Cholmondeley'
and others. |
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Group C: Late-flowering
Clematis
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Plants
in this group flower on the last 24-36 inches of the current season's
growth. Some types begin blooming in mid-June and continue into
the fall. This is the easiest group to prune since no old wood needs
to be maintained. In February or March cut each stem to a height
of about 24-36 inches. This will include removal of some good stems
and buds. Eventually the length of the bare stem at the base will
increase as the vine matures. Plants in this group include: C. viticella,
C. flammula, C. tangutica, C. x jackmanii, C. maximowicziana, 'Perle
d'Azur,' 'Royal Velours,' 'Duchess of Albany' and others. |
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Group D: Herbaceous
Clematis
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The
plants in this group flower on new foliage that emerges directly
from the ground. The previous year’s foliage needs be cut
back hard to the ground within 6” of the soil every spring.
This is the only group in which pruning is required every year,
but also the easiest, because you do not have to worry about leaving
any buds for current growth. Plants in this group include: C. integrifolia
and C. recta purpurea |
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