Clematis Guide

Clematis are the Queens of the Climbers, prized for their incredible flowers and ability to train onto trellises, fences, or arch over doorways. They only need to have their roots shaded and their flowers in the sun. Pruning Types are noted in both the printed catalog and online.

• Type 1: Flowers are produced from old stems, so prune immediately after flowering has stopped by removing all dead and weak stems. Larger, older plants (over 15') normally don't need to be pruned, especially if growing in trees. Tie stems into place after flowering. New growth will begin, and these are the stems for next year’s flowers.
• Type 2: In this group all first flowering comes from last season’s ripening stems. In early spring, watch for swelling leaf buds beginning to show. Cut all dead material off above these swelling buds. Be sure all growth is tied to the trellis, etc. at this time. Don't tie too tightly, so growth won't be hampered or cracked.
• Type 3: This group blooms later and from new growth. These should be pruned in February or March as new leaf buds begin to show low on the plant. Also remove all dead material above the buds and clean out any old or mildewed foliage.