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Take the mystery out of pruning
Clematis
Pruning group 1
Flowering times between January and May.
This Group covers all varieties which flower on last
season's growth. These varieties do NOT require pruning.
However, if the plant becomes too large for its place
or has some dead shoots, you can prune it back to the size you want.
If you do prune these varieties, you will just have fewer flowers in
the first year after pruning.
The best time to prune is just as the buds begin to
swell, usually in March.
Examples of varieties in this group are montanas
and macropetalas
REMEMBER: No pruning required unless the plant
becomes too large.
Pruning group 2
Flowering times between May and June and
often again in August or September.
These varieties flower on short shoots produced from last season's
growth.
This group does require light pruning to keep the plant tidy. Prune in
early spring as the buds begin to swell. Generally tidy up the plant
by removing all weak and straggly shoots or any dead shoots.
These will be the ones where the buds haven't swollen. Finally, tie in
the remaining shoots to the plant support.
After the first flush of flowers (the ones produced in May/June) has
finished, tidy up the plant again by cutting back long shoots to
within 24" (60cm) of the ground and tie them on to the plant support.
This will encourage it to produce new shoots which should
give more flowers in August/September. Do not prune again until early
spring.
Examples of varieties in this group ‘Nelly Moser`, ‘Mrs Norman
Thompson` and ‘Marie Boisselot`.
REMEMBER: Prune to keep the plant tidy and, with some
varieties, to get better flowers in August/September. DO NOT PRUNE IN
AUTUMN AND WINTER.
Pruning group 3
Flowering times: From July onwards.
These varieties on flower on growth made in early
spring and early summer. They should be pruned as the buds begin to
swell in early Spring.
Prune back to within 18" (45cm) of the ground. This is
not as brutal as it sounds! Just be brave and you will reap the
benefit of flowers during the summer.
If you do not prune these varieties the result will be
a large straggly plant with only a few flowers at the tip.
Examples of varieties in this group are `Jackmanii
Superba', `Ernest Markham' and `Hagley Hybrid'.
REMEMBER: Prune these varieties to get more
flowers and to keep the plant tidy.
When Pruning all Three Groups, Make Your pruning
cuts just above a good strong pair of buds. Don't cut too close to the
bud or you will damage it.
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