First, ignore the B1-B2 designations :-) These are just unnecessarily confusing for what are essentially just pruning group 2 vines.

Second, pruning instructions are guidelines only. You can just as easily omit pruning as you can adopt other group pruning recommendations. If your type 2 clematis need heavier pruning (and they sometimes do, for the same reasons you outline), then they can be treated as a type 3 or 'hard prune' variety (like 'Arabella'). All that does is push back the bloom period slightly. Most type 2's produce a later rebloom on new growth, so a light, "grooming" type pruning after the initial bloom flush is often recommended (ie. 'Dr. Ruppel'). Not doing so in no way affects the rebloom.

In most cases, pruning should be done in late winter/early spring just as new growth begins. Type 1's are typically pruned immediately after flowering, if necessary. Pruning these is usually only done to control size. These bloom on old wood and the after flowering pruning allows sufficient time for next year's flowers to develop. And the second, "grooming" pruning of type 2's should also be done immediately after the first flowering.......if you choose to do it at all. Not a requirement :-)

Thanks gardengal48! So, sounds like I can 'heavy' prune these early spring before buds appear. I have 2 that need heavy pruning so I'll wait until early Spring next year. I was able to put the new trellis up and I tied the clematis to the trellis and left the bamboo tee-pee on b/c I couldn't get it out. LOL

Yes, it is confusing with that B-1 and B-2 as you said. That came from another site. I need to get the list of pruning with the Group #'s. Maybe it is in the FAQs.

Thanks for your help.