Pruning clematis: tips from the experts

Some clematis varieties grow like wild without pruning, others hardly bloom anymore. Enough reasons to take a closer look at pruning clematis.

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

Pruning Clematis: Four good reasons

There are a number of good reasons why pruning the various Clematis species can be beneficial. We show why you should cut the popular flower and for which species this method is suitable:

1. Thin out the plant: In this way, enough light gets inside again and the shoots get more space. Recommended especially for spring-blooming clematis such as Clematis montana.
2. Formation of new shoots and better branching: An annual pruning of old branches ensures that fresh shoots sprout. This is recommended for all Clematis species.
3. Rejuvenation Pruning: A radical pruning about every 4 years to rejuvenate the plant. It is particularly worthwhile for bare clematis. The plant is cut down almost completely. This measure can be carried out on all species.
4. Reblooming Hybrids: For hybrid species that bloom in both spring and summer, it is worth pruning the flowers after the spring bloom period. In this way, the second flowering is strengthened. Suitable especially with clematis like ThePresident.

Pruning clematis properly

In order for you to be able to cut the clematis optimally, the right time and the right procedure are crucial.

Clematis: when to cut?

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

Basically, you should pay attention to spring-flowering species such as clematis montana, Clematis alpina and twice-blooming hybrids to cut back in spring immediately after flowering, but never before. Otherwise it is possible that you remove the unopened flower buds and the otherwise lush flower will not appear. Kinds like Clematis viticella, which flowers exclusively in summer, pruning back annually in autumn or winter and removing the fruit after flowering is sufficient.

Cutting clematis: instructions on how to proceed correctly

When pruning clematis, the following applies: When thinning out, cut off the shoots diagonally with sharp scissors just before they start on the main shoot. Due to the slanted cut, the water can drain off better and infections are avoided. If you are doing a more radical rejuvenation pruning, you should cut down most of the plant but still leave some buds for regrowing.

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

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