Time to cut back SAC yet in zone 5?

12 years ago

I know mostly everything else is still too early, but what about SAC? I live in zone 5b NE Ohio. Anyone else trim their back yet?

Thanks!

kentstar

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Comments (4)

pump_toad
12 years ago
Actually, I don't have a answer to your question,however, I would like to ask you a question since I live in Iowa and is pretty much the same zone.I still have my clematis covered with leaves and I can't decide if I should rake them off. It can still get cold yet.I checked a type 2 that I planted last fall and it is sending up shoots.
What would you suggest.
Lois
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 years ago
If the vines are beginning to bud up, you can prune them now. A good rule of thumb is to prune clems the same time you prune roses OR when the forsythia is blooming in your area.
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kentstar
Original Author
12 years ago
I cut it back yesterday. Loads of buds coming out now under the mulch. It's all this warm weather we are having lol. Everything in my yard is coming out of hybernation except my hostas (which is a good thing for now). :)
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
12 years ago
I prune my clematis any time during winter after it is consistently cold. I'm currently in northern OH and just pruned my mom's clematis this week. I'll be pruning mine in NH when I get home, but have done it various years from late November to early April depending on when I get out into the garden. (Some years we've had more than 10 feet of snow and no thaw so my gardens are well buried.)

Pump Toad - Since it's already growing, I'd gently pull half of the leaves back by hand (not rake) so that you don't damage new growth tips and then leave the rest of the mulch. I don't usually put on added mulch for the winter as I only plant hardy clematis, though I do have year-round mulch to help keep moisture even.

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Time to cut back SAC yet in zone 5?

Comments (4)

pump_toad

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

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kentstar
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Time to cut back SAC yet in zone 5?

Comments (4)

pump_toad

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

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kentstarOriginal Author

NHBabs z4b-5a NH

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kentstar
Original Author