Pruning clematis

When to prune

There are many varieties of clematis, some evergreen and some deciduous, which flower at different times of the year and need pruning in a specific way to keep them at their peak, to stimulate growth or to keep them within bounds. To make pruning easier, clematis are divided into different pruning groups - if you're not sure what your plant is, don't prune it. Wait and see when it flowers and then follow our pruning guide.

Group one and evergreen varieties

• A large group that features varieties that flower before early summer on old wood. It includes varieties of Clematis cirrhosa, C.armandii, C.alpina and C.macropetala.
• Don't go mad with the secateurs, very little pruning is needed. Simply remove dead and damaged stems after flowering, and train new stems to fill supports.
• If plants get too large, prune back to keep within bounds.

Group two

• These clematis produce two flushes of flower - before early summer on old wood and again during late summer on growth made during the year. It includes many popular varieties, such as C. 'Nelly Moser' and C. 'Niobe', and those with double or semi-double flowers, including C.'Vyvyan Pennel'.
• Keep plants tidy by removing dead and dying stems in late winter, cutting back to a strong pair of buds.
• Next, secure old and new growth with twine, which will help to support the large flowers and leave a neat framework.

Group three

• Clematis that flower after early summer on the current year's growth belong to this group, including the many varieties of C. viticella, C.orientalis, C.texensis and lots of large flowered varieties, such as C.'Gipsy Queen' and C.'Hagley Hybrid'. These respond well to hard pruning.
• During late winter and early spring, cut the top growth of plants down to a healthy pair of buds above the base of stems formed the previous season - leave short stumpy stems, about 45cm above the ground.
• Prune C.tangutica by gathering stems together in your hand and cutting straight across, 30cm (1ft), above the ground. It may sound drastic, but it works.

Herbaceous clematis

• Cut near to ground level between late autumn and early spring.

Pruning for clematis wilt

• If the growing tips turn black and the plant collapses while in growth, clematis wilt is most likely to blame.
• To restore the plant's vigour, cut all top growth to ground level and allow new shoots to grow and fill supports.

Aftercare

• Tie new stems to supports with twine.
• It's a good idea to give plants a boost after pruning, by sprinkling the surface with a general purpose granular fertiliser and gently raking it into the surface.
• Follow by applying a generous mulch of well-rotted manure or leaf mould around the plant.