Types of cuts and dates at a glance
An exuberant variety of splendid clematis species and varieties make pruning seem like a complicated undertaking. Indeed, some clematis are seldom or rarely pruned, while others require radical pruning. An important clue for the time of cutting and the procedure is the flowering time. The table below includes for the most popular Clematis all important Types of cuts with recommended dates.
also read
- When should a clematis be pruned?
- How to properly prune clematis montana 'Rubens'
- Trimming clematis in the fall - how to do it right
| Clematis flowering time | Cut type | best date | Cut type | best date | Cut type | best date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early flowering species | Plant pruning | after planting | Clearance and preservation cut | after the flowering period in May / June | Taper cut | Beginning of November to the end of February |
| Summer flowering species | Plant pruning | after planting / the following spring | Conservation cut | November to January | Taper cut | November to January |
| Species that bloom twice | Plant pruning | after planting / the following spring | Conservation cut | November to January and June | Taper cut | at 5-year intervals in November / December |
Experienced clematis gardeners will be able to postpone the dates for summer and twice-flowering species eye fall. Until a few years ago, February was considered the ideal time for maintenance pruning. In the course of global warming, experienced experts advocate pruning the clematis species mentioned between November and January. The mild winter climate leads to early budding, which falls victim to the scissors in February.
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Legislators have the last word when choosing a date
Plant pruning - pruning applies to all types of clematis
Regardless of the time of planting or the subsequent flowering periods, you should overcome all scruples and yours Clematis subject to a vigorous plant pruning. The pruning measure aims at a dense branching at the base of the young plant, which can only be made up for by later pruning as part of a radical rejuvenation. This is how the expert pruning of all clematis species succeeds:
- The best time is immediately after planting
- Cut all shoots back to 8 or 12 inches above the ground
- Measure the cutting height so that a pair of buds remain
If you plant a flowering clematis in the ground as a container plant in summer, please make up for the pruning in November or December. The last date to benefit from the advantages of the top pruning is in February / March after the planting year. In the case of spring-flowering clematis, the cut is at the expense of the next flowering period. Nevertheless, we recommend that you forego the few flowers in favor of a long-term, richly branched clematis in premium quality.
The pruning procedure applies to all types of clematis. Insert a young plant so deep that a pair of buds are in the ground. Then cut back all the shoots except for a pair of buds above the ground.
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Plant pruning is based on the botanical law of growth
Little pruning of early bloomers - instructions for maintenance pruning
Popular species such as clematis (Clematis alpina) or clematis (Clematis montana) and their varieties, as well as most wild species, develop their flower dress in spring. The plants planted the buds for the floral festival the previous year, often immediately after the flowering period. Pruning is tricky on early-blooming clematis because it could destroy the flower systems. Since the clematis of this category naturally remain vital for many years, a cut is not part of the regular maintenance program anyway. If the splendid specimens grow over your head, bloom sparsely or bald, a maintenance cut awakens the floral spirits. How to do it right:
- The best time is when it is fading, by June at the latest
- Cut back too long, balding or damaged shoots by a third or half
- Cut above one pair of outward facing eyes
- Cut off dead branches at the roots
The subsequent time window is sufficient for a strong growth as well as the bud system for the next year. As the illustration below demonstrates, ideally do not cut back all the shoots equally, but limit the scope to what is absolutely necessary.
With a framework of 5 to 7 ground shoots, your garden hawk is well positioned for a blooming future. Ideally, 4 to 6 scaffold shoots are distributed around a higher central shoot. The valuable blossom wood arises every year from the ground shoots.
Rejuvenate early bloomers - when and how to do it right
An early-blooming clematis does not preserve its natural vitality from the floral signs of aging. When the branches grow old, bare from below and every single blossom is a sensation, you can no longer avoid a rejuvenating cut. This is how the revitalization works with scissors and a saw:
- The best time is between November and January
- Alternative date in February to 1. March
- At the beginning, clear out the dead wood
- Cut back the remaining shoots to a length of 30 to 60 centimeters
- Scissors or saw above buds or sleeping eyes apply
You can round off the rejuvenation cut with a generous portion of compost and Horn shavings.(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) Give 3 liters of ripe leaf compost with 100 grams of horn shavings per square meter of root disc and pour in plenty. Alternatively, you can get the growth going with a special clematis fertilizer such as Kölle’s Beste or Cuxin DCM.
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Decorative underplanting disguises the bare shrub base
Cut summer bloomers vigorously - Instructions for maintenance pruning
The Italian clematis (Clematis viticella), the golden clematis (Clematis tangutica) bloom in the partially shaded location. the common clematis (Clematis vitalba) and its breathtaking hybrids such as 'Jackmanii', tirelessly from June to October. As is characteristic of summer-flowering shrubs, buds and flowers appear on this year's wood. Following the pruning, pruning follows special rules that take this growth into account. How to do it right:
- The best time is between November and January
- Rigorously cut back all shoots to 10 to 30 centimeters
- Carefully pull cut branches out of the climbing aid
The figure below illustrates the strong pruning of clematis in summer flowering. The aim of the cut is the growth of this year's long shoots. The longer a new shoot thrives in summer, the more flowers it will have. Combine the maintenance pruning with a nutrient supply in February / March to optimize the result.
Summer-flowering clematis bloom on this year's shoots. A vigorous pruning before budding promotes growth and abundance of flowers.
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Cut perennial clematis like summer flowers
Rejuvenate aged summer-blooming clematis - this is how it works
Gardeners rarely have to complain about aging and balding of summer-blooming clematis. The strong maintenance cut looks like a continuous rejuvenation. If you have missed the pruning care for a few years or inherited an uncut clematis, you can turn back time with this pruning:
- In November / December, shorten the entire climbing bush to 20 centimeters
- Result: the shoot pieces gradually dry back
- Result: fresh shoots from the rhizome
Do not cut the overaged branches off at ground level, otherwise they will dry up to the roots and will no longer sprout.
Tips
If a summer-flowering clematis ends its flowering period as early as July, this is not an indication of aging. Under the influence of many hours of sunshine and high temperatures, the clematis has simply worn out. Cut the climbing artist back again at the beginning of August, drive her out again immediately and shine with new flowers in mid-September.
Clematis that have bloomed twice are best cut twice
Clematis, which bloom twice a year, pose a challenge to the pruning. The opulent hybrids with double flowers are prime examples of this floral masterpiece. The climbing shrubs complete the first flowering date from May to June with short shoots that sprout from the wood of the previous year. The second flower pile from August to September unfolds on this year's long shoots and appears as unfilled flowers. How to master the maintenance cut with flying colors:
- The best time for the first cut is between November and January
- Shorten climbing tendrils by a third or a quarter
- Cut back clematis by half
- The best time for the second cut is in June
- Cut off withered flowers to the next pair of leaves
The focus of pruning is on the annual shoots with their short, lateral branches. This is where the lush, double clematis flowers present themselves in early summer. The less of the valuable blossom wood that is preserved, the more splendid the appearance. The late summer blooms benefit when the wilted blooms are cleaned up. The clematis invests no energy in the growth of seed heads but directs the forces into new flowers.
Twice blooming Cutting clematis They return between a quarter and a half in late winter and thin them out thoroughly. Variable cutting heights promote better distribution of the flowers. After the first flower pile, it is advantageous to clean up withered flowers.
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To distinguish between types of shoots means to optimize the cutting result
Regularly rejuvenate twice-blooming clematis - step-by-step instructions
Moderate pruning on twice-blooming clematis inevitably results in premature aging. An impenetrable tangle forms as old, young and dead shoots that call for the gardener's organizing hand. Use scissors and a saw to put a stop to the aging process by making a rejuvenating cut at 5-year intervals. How to proceed professionally step by step:
- Cut back all shoots to a height of 30 to 50 centimeters
- Ideally, choose a pair of sleeping eyes as a starting point for scissors or a saw
- Do not cut dead wood at floor level, but shorten it to 20 centimeters
There is no need to worry if all the shoots dry out immediately. Unperturbed, continue the supply of nutrients and water, even if no more ground shoots can be seen afterwards. Under normal conditions, you can look forward to a vital shoot and a rejuvenated clematis in the next spring, at the latest in the spring after next.
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The perfect cut starts near the buds
frequently asked Questions
Are all clematis hardy?
With a few exceptions, clematis species and varieties are well winter hardy. Light winter protection is recommended for Clematis florida, Clematis texensis and evergreen species such as Clematis armandii. Long-lasting winter wetness in the bed is more problematic than severe frost. It is therefore advisable to cover the root disc with coniferous twigs to catch hail, snow and continuous rain. In the bucket, the hardiness of clematis is limited due to the exposed position of their root balls. Before winter sets in, wrap the vessels with fleece, jute or bubble wrap and slide a block of wood under the bottom of the pot.
Are clematis poisonous?
Clematis hold a poisonous secret. The magnificent flowering plants are unfortunately flooded with poisonous protoanemonin and other toxins. A brief skin contact is enough to torment the affected gardener with allergic reactions. Eating flowers, fruits or leaves causes nausea and vomiting. Animals are also not immune from the toxins. Therefore, please choose the location for clematis out of the reach of children and animals. Wear protective clothing during maintenance and cutting work. As a precaution, dispose of the clippings in the organic waste bin and not on the compost.
How can I tell from the leafless clematic shoot whether it is still alive?
When clematis are in their hibernation, they have no leaves and appear lifeless. Perform the vitality test so that you can distinguish living wood from dead wood. To do this, cut off a piece of shoot and make sure that the inside is still green and juicy on the cross-section. If, on the other hand, brown, dry tissue appears, you can thin out the branch.
When is the best time to plant clematis?
Experienced clematis experts, such as Germany's leading clematis breeder, Friedrich Manfred Westphal, advocate late summer and early autumn as the best time to plant. During the months of August, September and October, young clematis find the ideal framework conditions. At a soil temperature of 14 to 20 degrees Celsius, the plants take root quickly and start their first gardening season in spring with a vital growth advantage.
The leaves of my evergreen clematis have turned brown in winter. Should I remove the foliage or cut back the entire plant?
Evergreen clematis respond to blazing winter sun and severe frost with brown, withered leaves. Remove the frozen leaves and strengthen the clematis with fertilizer so that it will sprout fresh leaves. If you cut back the plant now, this year's flowering will fail. Evergreen species do it, such as Clematis montana, Clematis alpina or also rhododendrons and forsythia; they plant the buds for the next flowering period in the summer of the previous year.
Clematis with clematis wilt - what can I do?
Against the Clematis wilt So far, gardeners have been at a loss. The fatal disease is triggered by a fungal pathogen that has so far proven to be resistant to pesticides. For this emergency situation, the pair of buds is intended as an iron reserve that you put in the ground when planting. Cut the affected clematis just above the ground and apply a good fertilizer. The defenses of the plant decide whether a new shoot starts. Make sure you have a balanced supply of water and nutrients while you wait. If you don't want to bother with clematis wilt in the future, plant the Italian ones Clematis (Clematis viticella) and cultivars resulting from it, which are largely spared from the disease stay.
My clematis comes from the new Envipo breeding line. What should you watch out for when pruning?
The magical novelties in the realm of clematis inspire with huge, lush, double flowers. The flowering period extends from June to October. The rules for summer-flowering species and varieties result from this for pruning. Between November and December, cut all shoots back to within 30 centimeters. Buds for next year's flowering show only appear when they are fresh, so you can't go wrong with a wintry appointment.
The 3 most common mistakes
The pruning of clematis seems complicated at first glance. Don't let the different cuts and times stop you from integrating the top-class flower beauty into your garden design. Act according to the motto "Practice makes perfect". Thanks to a good-natured cut tolerance, most cutting errors can be eliminated within a short time. The following table will help you avoid the three most common mistakes:
| Cut type | Damage image | Prevention / Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Early flowering species cut in late winter | Total failure of this year's heyday | Cut spring bloomers in May / June |
| Summer flowering species never cut | few flowers, premature aging | Cut back the summer bloomers vigorously every year |
| no plant pruning | sparse branching at the base of the bush | Shorten all shoots to 20-30 cm after planting |
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Tips
In the case of refined clematis varieties, the wild underlay can sometimes drift through. From the root disc, upright wild shoots sprout, which dispute the water and nutrient supply for the precious part. You can identify the strong-growing water shoots by a different form of foliage as well as by the large, markedly larger spacing between leaves, Internodes called. Remove wild shoots as quickly as possible so that they do not overgrow the noble clematis.
