Yes, prune it now. I prune mine when the leaves are still in the bud stage. Also you can prune anytime to shape the vine knowing you will lose some blossoms. Or you can try to wind the vines in a direction you wish. Or you can leave the plant to itself. Whatever is pleasing to you. In my area Little Duckling blooms throughout July. It is listed as blooming in May-June. Do you cut it back after spring bloom for a fall bloom? Your blooming photo is gorgeous.

Holy cow cnetter!!! That is huge! Yes, I just spent the morning researching growing grapes & it is not such an easy task & it takes up quite a bit of space & a monstrous support. I wasn't looking into getting into heavy production...just to make a bottle or 2 per year, mostly want to just eat 'em fresh, if I can get 3g, I would be stoked. I did find a few varieties that I could use both ways. I still want to grow them, but came up with a much better idea on where to grow them. That won't happen this year though...more planning needs to take place. I really want to turn into an espalier or growing it like a stand alone tree with some wires. I need to read more to make sure I'm up for it...kind of reminds me of my wisteria days, LOL. I just got back from getting them & I'm really happy I did. The roots filled the 1g pot & lots of new stems coming up. COTW has Confetti growing much shorter than Galore. After googling, not finding much info. I'm going to start another post to see if anyone has experience with it before planting them together. I really like the way they look together & hope it works!

Thanks for all of the compliments! Ditas, mine is planted in a half shade garden that is bright through out the day but only gets about 3 hours of sun in the morning. I hear that of you plant Piilu in the sun her blooms tend to fade away as well. Julia, my Piilu came in a 2 gallon container but it was really lush when I got it so I do think that it is a bit older. I'm hoping that next springs blooms will be double and that it just needs time to establish. Who knows maybe it will give me the double blooms in late summer instead. I doubt it though.

Congratulations on your first....of what will likely become many - clematis! Hope you find the following helpful. 1) What you read about planting depth is correct - the root crown should be planted 4-6 inches below the soil surface. This helps to generate multiple stems form the base as well as encourage a strong, healthy root system. And with the exception of fruiting figs, tomatoes and potatoes, I know of no other plants that come with a deeper planting guideline. If the planting was recent, there is no reason why you cannot dig up the vine and replant at the proper depth, as long as you are careful with the rootball. Doing so can affect flowering but it is far more important to get the planting right for the long term than to enjoy a few flowers now. If you feel uncomfortable digging and replanting the vine, go ahead and mound soil up to the appropriate depth, making a small berm. That works, too :-) 2) I can't tell you how often to water - no one can. That depends on your soil composition, how fast it drains, temperatures and rainfall amounts. What you want is for the soil to stay evenly moist. If the mulch makes that unclear, go ahead and rake the mulch away to check. And make sure that is evenly moist to the full depth (and preferrably deeper) of the rootball. It will only take a few trials for you to become familiar with your specific conditions and really know how often and how long to water. FWIW, twice a day seems excessive to me if you are giving the newly planted vine a deep, slow drink when you do water, not just a spritz with the sprinkler for a few minutes. 3) MiracleGro or any other water soluble fertilizer can work, although I'd opt for one that encourages blooms rather than foliage (or those with a lower N number). Many clematis growers like to use a tomato or rose fertilizer, both of which are available in organic formulations. Alfalfa meal is very good, as is compost. Your choice :-) 4)You do not need to do anything in winter other than apply mulch. Generally clematis are pruned back in late winter/early spring or when you prune roses in your area. Piilu is a type 2 but you will want to prune your vine back hard for at least the first two growing seasons (next spring and the following). This hard pruning encourages establishment, disease resistance and a good root system and is recommended for all newly planted clematis regardless of pruning type. 5) Fast establishment is the result of following all of the above :-)) Do not expect too much too soon. Clems (and all other vines) need about three years in the ground before they really take off. Encouraging the vine to grower faster than it should (or would naturally) can promote wilt or disease and insect problems. 6) Shading the soil with other plants is not a requirement, especially if you are mulching well. All you need to do is assure an evenly moist root run, which both the mulch and adequate watering will provide. Many folks DO plant at the base of clems - you want a shallow rooted plant that doesn't need much dividing, so you don't chance disturbance of the clematis roots.