How to Prune Clematis

Clematis are divided into Three groups, according to their bloom time.The density of the flowers on a mature plant will astound you. It does however take a few years for this beautiful vine to reach it's full potential.

Vines get better with age, and can live indefinately.

Group 1 These varieties flower in spring on growth from the previous season. These generally do not need to be pruned, but if you feel you need to prune them, to keep them at the size you want, prune them within one month, or sooner after they have finished flowering. You could thin branches, and remove seedheads.

Group 2 These bloom in early sumer on previous years growth, followed by a rebloom in summer or fall on new growth.

How to Prune Clematis: They should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Cut the stems back to a strong pair of well developed buds and fasten the stems to the support.

Group 3 This variety, flowers later on new growth in the summer and fall.

To prune: Cut back to 12-18 inches from the ground in late winter or early spring. This will force the plant to grow bushy and produce maxium new wood.

This picture shows you how lovely, and full the flowers can be. When you think of a vine, you might not picture something quite as lovely as this!

Clematis - Terniflora produces masses of small 1" creamy white flowers that completely cover this plant. Its sweet scent is an added bonus and is sure to get the attention of anyone who walks by. Terniflora is very impressive with its deep green leathery leaves and profuse blooming. Can be kept smaller with pruning. Clematis 'Terniflora' needs a supporting structure to grow properly, and it is easy to grow with a rich, porous, alkaline soil that has plenty of room for the roots to spread. Best performance is when the tops are in full sunlight and the roots are shaded, but will thrive and bloom in shade. Apply a generous mulch or a shallow-rooted ground cover near the base of the vine. Very reliable performers once established; they take a season or two. Extremely rampant growth habit that may need hard pruning in fall or early spring.

Go Back to Clematis Vines from How to Prune a Clematis

Back to Companion Planting

Clematis Care

go to all about rose gardenijng Home page from How to prune Clematis