The Montana group is one of the favorite clematis for hobby gardeners. Its industrious vigor and relatively short flowering time always cause frowns when it comes to pruning. Here we explain how to properly cut the mountain clematis Clematis montana.
Cut mountain clematis after flowering - if at all
One of the typical characteristics of Clematis montana is that it flowers in early spring on the previous year's wood. If the scissors are used in late winter, a large part of the buds will be lost. The entire clematis group is therefore assigned to pruning group 1, which is to be pruned according to this scheme:
- Prune mountain clematis after flowering in June, July at the latest
- Only start cutting after 1-2 years
- Ideally limit the pruning to a few tendrils
Clematis montana are therefore not cut every year while they are still young. Older specimens, however, tend to bare from below, so that scissors are regularly used after flowering. It's not just a matter of limiting growth in length. At the same time, all dead wood is carefully thinned out so that light and air can reach all areas of the clematis.
Pruning in the year of planting
Irrespective of their assignment to a pruning group, experienced hobby gardeners prescribe a trimming cut for a freshly planted clematis. This takes place in November/December of the year of planting, when the young shoots are shortened to 20 or 30 centimetres. The reward for this effort is revealed in lush, vital branching right from the start.
The right cut
If the pruning of a Clematis montana is considered necessary, the actual pruning becomes the focus of interest. To ensure that the clematis continues to sprout and branches vigorously after cutting, place the scissors 2-3 mm above an outward-facing eye. A slight incline allows rain and irrigation water to run off more quickly, which serves to prevent diseases.
tips and tricks
A mighty Clematis montana forms a perfect partnership with tall trees. In late summer, plant the young clematis next to the tree in a bottomless bucket to avoid root competition. The first tendrils are attached to the lower branches with a rope so that the creeper grows in the desired direction.