One of the most common gardening questions we get at Stargazer Perennials is "How do I prune my Clematis?" Although it may seem complicated at first, pruning Clematis vines can be simplified by knowing when and how your Clematis blooms. Even if you don't know the cultivar name of that Clematis in your garden, once you have observed and recorded the bloom time (and possible reblooming behavior) of your vine, the rest is easy! Oh, and don't forget: Clematis are deer resistant! Yipee!

CLEMATIS PRUNING GROUPS:

GROUP 1: Clematis in Group 1 flower in the spring on old wood, or the previous season's growth. Very little pruning is needed except for occasional light shaping which can be done immediately after the main bloom is finished. Example of a Type 1 Clematis: Clematis alpina 'Brunette'

GROUP 2: Clematis in Group 2 bloom in early summer on last year's growth, and often have an additional bloom flush in the fall on the current year's growth. Group 2 Clematis only need to be pruned lightly by removing the top 10-12" of each shoot back to a firmly swollen bud in late winter or very early spring. Example of Type 2 Clematis: Clematis 'Snow Queen'

GROUP 3: Clematis in Group 3 are typically very vigorous vines that bloom on new growth of the current season. To promote heavy blooms every year the entire vine should be pruned back to about 2' from the ground, making sure to leave some healthy-looking new growth buds. Example of a Type 3 Clematis: Clematis 'Jackmanii' , probably the most popular Clematis today due to its availability, fabulous non-stop blooms, hardiness and easy maintenance.

Browse our large selection of Clematis at Stargazer Perennials Farm and Nursery!  Gardening questions? Drop the horticulturists at Stargazer Perennials an email!