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Time to Prune?

15 years ago

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to see if I could get some advice on when to prune my clematis. I've read so much on the topic, it gets confusing. I know there are 3 types of clemmies and that proper pruning depends on the type. Problem is that I don't know the types. I have - HF Young, Multi Blue, Duchess of Albany, Claire De Lune, Henryi, Crispa, and Petit Faucon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Comments (6)

buyorsell888
15 years ago
Now is the time to prune if you haven't done so already.

If they are all three years old or less, prune them all like a Type III, which is the most drastic type of pruning. It helps them get off to a good start with their root systems and put out more stems from the crown. Prune just above the lowest set of new buds.

Petit Faucon is an Integrifolia and should be pruned to the ground every year.

I don't know about Crispa but the rest are all Type II's.
nckvilledudes
15 years ago
Crispa,Duchess of Albany and Petit Faucon are your type III clematis. Here in NC I prune all my clematis back in late December or early January. As long as they are dormant, you can prune as early as I do. I have HF Young and other type IIs and I routinely prune them as a type III as well since in our zone we have a long enough growing period that it and most of the other type IIs will bloom if treated as a type III, but just later in the season.
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Dionne, Looks like you have a seed pod off of one of the branches. Looks nice and sunny where you live. In the U.S.? Pruning would definitely promote more blooms and also get your tree more compact. if you should decide at some point to repot this tree, do so in a pot not as deep. The width could be the same. Prune with a razor type blade. Not secateurs as they will crush the branches unless extremely sharp. Clean blade with Rubbing Alcohol with each cut. To be safe. Make all cuts on a 45 degree angle. This diagram kindly submitted by Martin is an immeasurable help. I would prune most of the branches. The branches which come from base and "fork". Prune these two forks 1"-2" leaving a ""Y" shape. Any of the other branches which come that do not have forks, prune according to desire. Think of the top of the tree shaped somewhat like an inverted bowl. Giving it a mushroom type top. These Adeniums are very resilient and will push out nice new branches after pruning. I try to not have branches which cross each other. I hope this helps. Rick
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bsmith0023 (z8b coastal SC), pruning late doesn't hurt. You might get blooms a little later. BTW, I usually have a couple of inches of new growth by the time that I prune, but I would rather prune later than too early.
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"What is the down side of leaving the plant where it is?" Right now it is tight against the fence. There really isn't room for it to get any larger without it losing that nice shape. In general garden beds look much better if they aren't so narrow because it allows arrangements of plants in some form other than a straight line and plants can grow to their natural proportions. The current spot may stain the fence with mildew since it won't dry quickly with the plant's foliage releasing moisture via stoma (pores) and also holding moisture from rain. I try to make my garden beds a minimum of 5' deep front to back (depending on what I am planting in it) so I have a foot between the fence and the back of the full grown plants and in some spots have room for two or more layers of plants front to back. Many of my garden beds are deeper than that. Did the plant bloom for you last year? If the flowers were blue or purple, it is a big leaf hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla, and will do best with no pruning of live branches as GG48 said since you might cut off the flower buds. If blooms were white or pink, you will have to wait until you have a better photo.
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lesmc
15 years ago
So, it`s finally time to prune!! Yea!! I was just waiting for a GO. I have noticed that most are starting to get leaves but I was not sure if it was too early. I am in Louisville, Ky. and although we are having spring temps, cold weather lies ahead. I am new to clematis and have so much to learn so thanks everyone for all the great info you contribute to this forum.I am always checking in! Lesley
blondiesc
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much for the advice! I'll be out with my clippers this afternoon. I'm looking forward to all of the beautiful blooms to come.
buyorsell888
15 years ago
Oops, I missed the Duchess of Albany, yes Type III too. A texensis.
sheltieche
15 years ago
I pruned my clems today. I usually keep pruning every clem until the base has at least 6 stems growing. after that it depends - if it blooms early- leave it alone, if it blooms late- prune it low. Am terrible with keeping tags and names.

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