Pruning groups
What are pruning groups and why do we need them?
Clematis, like many other plants, flower at different points throughout the year. Due to the range of varieties available they have to be pruned and cared for differently so they have been split into 3 main categories.
But why do we prune them? Clematis won’t die if you don’t prune them back each year but they won’t be as successful. Regular pruning encourages strong growth and flowering the following season. It also keeps restricts their growth so they flower where you want them to!
Each group explained
Pruning group 1; These Clematis flower in winter and early spring. However they flower on last years growth, so make sure you don’t prune these back, just cut out dead or damaged stems and if you want to keep it within a certain area, lightly prune it back to where you want it to grow. Ideally just weave the new growth into the area you want it to grow.
Pruning group 2; This group flowers in spring and summer and tends to be the large flowering clematis. These should be pruned in February to around 30cm or where the strongest bud is. If you lightly prune again, once the first lot of flowers have gone over, to a pair of buds then you are likely to get a second flush of flowers in late summer.
Pruning group 3; This group flowers later on, usually late summer/ early autumn and it flowers on the current seasons growth. The best way to get a stunning display of flowers from this group is by cutting them down to around 30cm above the ground in February. This way they will be prolific and produce a much stronger and healthy plant.
If you are still unsure what to do or why your plant is not growing correctly, please email;