Unfortunately there are more than one system of classification of clematis in terms of pruning groups. In one, type IIs are type IIIs and type IIIs are type IIs. In the other, it is the opposite way. In terms of the way most people refer, Guernsey Cream is a type II. That means that it typically blooms on old wood. If you are concerned about the length of the growing season in your zone and your ability to get blooms, definitely treat it as a light prune to remove deadwood and to contain its growth if it is getting out of hand. If it is a newly planted clematis, I would prune it back and potentially do without blooms the first year so that it will concentrate on root development and not top growth.

*sigh* well I guess that I will have to keep looking. I am looking for something to pair with my mom's Polish Spirit, and since she doesn't have much white in that flower bed I was thinking that it would look nice. However, all of the places I have been to so far have only had type IIs in stock, except for, of course, PS. Heading to a nursery this Saturday, and I hope they have a better selection!

I would plant a pruning type 3 with your "Polish Spirit" since he's a purning type 3..how about either "Huldine" or "John Huxtable"?...Or you can go to COTW and click on search and put in pruning type 3 and white on the sepals and search for something that might catch your eye?...Jeanne

I didn't know that I could search that way there! Awesome! I asked for suggestions about a week ago and got some good ideas...unfortunately I have yet to find any of the suggested plants in my area! I know that I can order from Siverstar or other places, but I would like to find something local to keep the price down. Life is expensive when you are still going to college =) Thanks for the great suggestion!

Or how about campaniflora for smaller white bell shaped flowers or even Alba Luxurians with its green tipped white flowers.