Garden experts divide the clematis into three cutting groups. For two of them, the fall pruning comes into consideration. You can find out here which clematis it is and how to cut it professionally.

Prune twice flowering clematis only once

They are considered a masterpiece in the art of breeding, the twice flowering clematis. This clematis flowers in May/June to repeat the spectacle of colors in August/September. The first blossom sprout from last year's shoots, while the summer buds thrive on this year's tendrils. How to properly handle the pruning of this clematis group:

  • After the first flowering period, just clean out anything that has died
  • Shorten the tendrils by a maximum of half only after the second flowering
  • The best time for central pruning is November/December

Well-known hybrids such as 'The President', 'Königskind' or 'Dr. Ruppel'. Their filled flowers only appear unfilled in summer, but this does not detract from the dreamlike appearance.

Late-blooming clematis tolerates heavy pruning

All clematis species and varieties that do not flower until mid/late June are cut in autumn. Since this clematis always puts its buds on this year's shoots, you can go to work courageously with the scissors in autumn. If necessary, nothing speaks against a pruning down to 20 or 30 centimeters. The climbing plant will branch all the more luxuriantly next year. This incision is recommended:

  • Start each cut just above an outward facing eye
  • A slight incline allows rain and irrigation water to run off better later on
  • In addition, thoroughly thin out all dead wood at the base

Well-known representatives of this pruning group are the Italian clematis Clematis viticella with its entire line and the perennial clematis Clematis diversifolia. The imposing Clematis vitalba also accepts a radical pruning in autumn without complaint, which means that the extremely vigorous climbing artist can be kept under control.

tips and tricks

If hobby gardeners reach for the scissors too late in the fall for the double-flowering clematis, in the worst case they will rob themselves of the next spring bloom because the buds have already formed. If in doubt, just shorten every second shoot and cut back a little after the first flowering. So at least not the entire bloom falls by the wayside.

Category:

Indoor plants