Pruning clematis correctly will help this vine look its best year after year.
This guide coverspruning the three main groups of clematis, based on the time of year they bloom.
Bloom Time:Spring.
Credit:Matthew Benson
When to Prune:Shortly after blooming.
They flower twice in a single year under ideal conditions.
Bloom Time:May and June, and again in late summer.
Credit: Bob Stefko
How to Prune:Remove any broken, unruly, or dead vines from the plant.
Then cut back a third of last years growth to about 12 inches from the soil.
Leave at least one strongly growing bud on each vine.
Deadhead seed pods to direct the plant’s energy into a second wave of flowers later in the season.
A popular example isClematis jackmanii(shown here), which has large purple flowers.
Bloom Time:Mid-summer through early fall.
When to Prune:In late spring, just as the buds begin to swell.
Prune all the vines down to about a foot above soil level.
Each spring,mulch around the base of the clematis.
Mulch helps hold moisture in the soil and keeps the ground cool.
