One of the most popular vines for the garden is clematis. Clematis has grown in popularity because of the beauty of the flowers and its easy care. A common question about clematis is how to properly prune this vining plant. Searching out information in gardening books can be confusing due to the terminology used. Following this simplified guide should encourage flowering and good plant growth.
Clematises bloom on either last season' s growth or new growth.
This determines the proper pruning time and amount to be pruned. If in doubt, do not prune before flowering. Large-flowering types such as Dr. Ruppel, Nelly Moser, Ramona, Duchess of Edinburgh, Elsa Spaeth, General Sikorski or Henryi should be pruned lightly in early spring. Start by pruning from the top down, removing dead and weak stems to the highest pair of healthy buds. These may be two to three feet above the soil level depending on age and vigor of the plant and variety.