Cutting clematis: tips from the experts

Some Clematis varieties grow wildly even without pruning, others barely bloom. Enough reasons to take a closer look at clematis cutting.

The clematis (Clematis), also known as clematis, is one of the most popular ornamental plants in German gardens. Annual pruning is worthwhile for optimal growth, but care differs enormously between the many clematis species. The time of flowering of the respective species is decisive for the right cut.

Cutting clematis: four good reasons

There are a number of good reasons why pruning the different types of clematis can be beneficial. We will show why you should cut the popular flower and what types this method is suitable for:

1. Thinning out the plant: In this way, enough light comes back inside and the shoots get more space. Recommended especially for clematis that bloom in spring Clematis montana.
2. Formation of new shoots and better branching: An annual cut of old branches ensures that fresh shoots sprout. This is recommended for all types of clematis.
3. Rejuvenation cut: A radical cut approximately every 4 years to rejuvenate the plant. Particularly worthwhile with bald clematis. The plant is cut down almost completely. This measure can be carried out on all species.
4. Renewed flowering in hybrids: In hybrid species that bloom in both spring and summer, it is worth pruning the flowers after the flowering period in spring. In this way, the second bloom formation is enhanced. Suitable especially for clematis like The President.

Trimming clematis properly

So that you can cut the clematis optimally, the right time and the right procedure are decisive.

Clematis: when to cut?

Whether a clematis should be cut is decided individually depending on the species. As a rule, however, an annual pruning in early winter makes sense for all species, in which the shoots are cut down to a height of 20 to 30 cm. This cut promotes healthy growth for the next year and the offspring of young and fresh shoots. The implementation of a rejuvenation pruning - if it is necessary - should also be scheduled for winter.

Basically, you should take care to like spring-flowering species Clematis montana, Clematis alpina and pruning twice-flowering hybrids immediately after flowering in spring, but never before. Otherwise, you may remove the unopened flower bases and the otherwise abundant flower will not appear. Kinds of like Clematis viticellawhich only blooms in summer, the annual pruning in autumn or winter and removing the fruit after blooming is sufficient.

Trimming clematis: instructions on how to proceed correctly

When pruning clematis, the following applies: When thinning out, cut off the shoots at an angle with sharp scissors shortly before they are attached to the main shoot. The sloping shape of the cut means that the water can drain off better and infections are avoided. If you're doing a more radical rejuvenation pruning, you should cut down the majority of the plant but still leave some buds to sprout again.

These products are ideal for cutting your shrubs, hedges and trees:

• Felco secateurs: Manual pruning, pruning and pruning shears recommended for all types of cutting. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil blade.
• Felco fruit tree and secateurs: Robust fruit tree and secateurs with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
• Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortless cutting of tall trees and dense shrubs from the ground.