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When to prune newly clematis

15 years ago

Hi all,

This is my first experience with clematis. I just planted them this past February along my fenceline. I've been reading other posts about pruning, but my question is does this apply to newly planted clems, or more established plants? Everything I have are type 3's.

I have a 4 1/2' high fence, and some have already grown to the top. I see a few flower buds, though not bloomed yet, on a few of them.

Should I be pruning these? Some have more than one stem, while others only have one.

If I do prune, how far down the plant do I go?

Please advise...thank you.

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Comments (5)

kimcoco
Original Author
15 years ago
I meant to say newly planted clems.

I also meant to ask - WHERE do I prune these? When you say above a bud, do you mean a flower bud?

Sorry...I have a brown thumb and this is all greek to me.

I saw a post recently with a pic showing where to prune, but now I can't find it.
jeanne_texas
15 years ago
You prune just above a "Leaf Axil" which you can see in my pic is where the new leaf buds form
{{gwi:593993}}
You can prune at about 6-12 inches from the soil...I go at about the 3rd/4th leaf axil..
Newly planted clematis survival rate is better if you "pinch" out the tops of the vine...leaving about 3 sets of leaves...this is so the clematis can focus on growing roots and not vines..Jeanne
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I like the lattice. That's new too isn't it? Don't recall it from your last photo. Do you plan for clematis for the lattice area? It will grow happily entwined up into the stair railings so if you think the railings will need painting/staining in the next few years, might want to do it in advance of planting. That way you don't have to chop back vines for several years. The foliage will help keep the sun effects off the wood so the paint/stain lasts longer. Clematis has a certain bloom time and span but you can put annual vines like cardinal climber to bring color to an already bloomed perennial vine.
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While it is not exactly a "rule", it is generally considered to be a very sound practice. The hard pruning of any newly planted clematis encourages the development of a good root system. And with pruning group 2 clems - those most prone to clematis wilt - a well-developed root system can go along way to discouraging this issue. I would recommend cutting your new clems back hard in late winter. I might even consider stretching that out to the following season as well. At best it will only delay the initial bloom flush a few weeks. I know sometimes it's hard to imagine that far ahead when your vine looks good right now but truly, taking the time and effort to ensure the best possible long-term conditions for it to thrive will pay off in the long run.
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You don't have to cut it back but you can. It will respond by pushing considerable new growth and there is still plenty of time to form flower buds. FWIW, a local clematis wholesaler cuts back all their clematis (from all pruning groups) several times during the growing season to keep the plants tidy and prevent tangling of overly long vines. The plants are very full and robust and flower on schedule. I wouldn't necessarily suggest this practice for all zones, but it should demonstrate that cutting back clematis during the growing season will not hurt the plant.
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I'm glad I found this thread! I am famous for killing clematis simply by planting them. I don't know how much I've spent on clematis over my lifetime, but it's a lot. Ever the optimist, I planted two more this spring, and they are still alive, and growing, but they are very thin and spindly. There is a lot of room between leaves. I am tempted to cut them back, and this thread makes it seem as though that would be a good idea, but when? Now? Wait until spring? To make matters worse, I have lost the tags which would tell me (and you) what kind of clematis these are. They are different from each other, and that's all I know. So. When do I cut, and how far back?
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maryann_____chgo
15 years ago
Great exlempary picture, Jeanne. Pruning and pinching is so confusing and daunting for most of us, it's nice to see exactly where.

What I can't seem to grasp is, doesn't removing leaves deprive the plant of it's energy producing mechanisms?
kimcoco
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Jeanne. I pruned them back today...*sigh*

I was so excited that they grew so well I was hesitant to cut them back...but of course I would rather the roots establish themselves well and grow thicker in the long run.

Great pics. Thanks
jeanne_texas
15 years ago
Kim..glad to be of help..a picture sure helps simplify all those botanical terms..LOL
"What I can't seem to grasp is, doesn't removing leaves deprive the plant of it's energy producing mechanisms?"
Mary..You aren't "pinching" off all the leaves..You are leaving at least 3 sets of leaves..these will do the job, so you aren't depriving the plant of the much needed Photosynthesis process..this stops the vine from growing and redirects the energy of the plant to stop growing its vines and focus on growing its roots..which is a GOOD THING..especially for immature Clematis....Jeanne

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