Clematis Pruning

For the most part, hybrid Clematis flower dependably with little or no pruning; yet some  hybrid clematis flower best when pruned hard (close to the ground) in early spring (March).  The difference between such hybrids is the age at which shoots of a particular variety flower.  Late Summer flowering varieties such as "Jackmanii"and it's derivatives flower on current  season's growth encouraged by hard pruning. Earlier blooming clematis such as "Nelly Moser"  flower on growth from the previous season. These early blooming varieties should be pruned  only as necessary to shape the vines and remove dead or unwanted growth. Yet keep in mind that newly planted Clematis of all varieties should be pruned after their first winter to ensure low branching and vigerous growth. In further years,  prune judiciously as dormant, viable  vines  tend to look dead early in the growing season. All clematis listed should be pruned in early spring (March) except the Clematis alpina and Clematis montana species - these should be pruned after flowering.

     The following directory of clematis lists currently available varieties for our area, most of which are sold at Little York Plantation. For any variety listed without a specific pruning recommendation (any variety left blank) we recommend it not be pruned or merely lightly pruned for routine maintainace. Upon concluding a pruning session it is a good idea to feed with a good all-purpose fertilizer and lime as needed.  If your soil is deficient in phosphorus, sprinkle around a handful of superphosphate.

Remember, a well-trained clematis, like a well trained dog, is a joy to behold!