Clematis pruning

[Laura]

When is the best time to prune a Clematis and what is the best height to cut it down to?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Brian]

[Phisherman]

[Pam - gardengal]

You can't hurt a clematis by pruning it, but you can affect flowering. Generally, clematis that bloom before the end of May should be pruned (when or if necessary) immediately after blooming. All other types can be pruned in late winter or early spring as you see the new buds swelling. Newly planted (less than one year in the ground) clematis of ANY type should be pruned hard their first year - down to the third set of buds. This helps to develop a strong root system with multiple shoots from the crown. Plants that receive this treatment will be more vigorous vines and less likely to develop clematis wilt.

pam - gardengal