Gardening - Q&A: Pruning Clematis

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Q&A: Pruning Clematis

Question: Is it proper to cut off last year's growth on a clematis vine at ground level? Does new growth come from the root or from last year's old vine, or both?

Answer: Named varieties of hybrid clematis bloom in 2 different ways: Some bloom on wood grown the previous year and some on wood grown in the same year. Clematis in the Jackman group of hybrids (such as jackmanii) bloom on new growth (wood grown in the same year). You'll have to watch where the blossoms occur to determine if they are on new or old wood. If you wish to prune the Jackman clematis, do so in spring as the buds swell or slightly before. You can prune to within 4-6" of the ground if you wish. If the clematis flowers on old wood, prune dead and broken growth in the spring. After flowering, a portion of old shoots should be cut back severely. Clematis enjoy a rich, humusy soil. Give them lots of organic matter such as compost or composted manure. Clematis also enjoy having their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade, so mulch is helpful to keep roots cool and to keep competing weeds at bay.

Content provided by the National Gardening Association