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

The Clematis (Clematis), 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 pruning.

Pruning clematis: four good reasons

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

  1. Pruning out the plant: In this way, enough light gets inside again and the shoots get more space. Recommended especially for spring-blooming clematis like 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 action can be performed on all species.
  4. Reblooming Hybrids: Hybrid species that flower in both spring and summer are worth pruning after the spring flowering period. In this way, the second flowering is strengthened. Particularly suitable for clematis like The President.
An annual pruning of old branches ensures that fresh shoots sprout

Pruning clematis correctly

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

Clematis: when to prune?

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 cut promotes ahe althy growth next year and the offspring of young and fresh shoots. The implementation of a rejuvenation cut - if it is necessary - should also be postponed to winter.

As a rule, an annual cut in early winter makes sense for all species

Basically, you should make sure to plant spring-flowering species such as Clematis montana, Clematis alpina and twice-flowering hybrids immediately after flowering in spring cut, but not before. Otherwise it is possible that you remove the unopened flower buds and the otherwise lush flower will not appear. Species such as Clematis viticella, which flowers only in summer, can be pruned annually in autumn or winter and the fruit removed after flowering.

Pruning clematis: instructions on how to do it right

When pruning clematis, when pruning, 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.

Cut off the shoots at an angle just before they start on the main shoot

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

  • Felco Secateurs: Top-of-the-line manual pruning shears, 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 Pruning Shears: Heavy duty fruit tree and pruning shears with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
  • Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortlessly cutting tall trees and dense bushes from the ground.
Felco Orchard And Secateurs No 6€31.99Details →GARDENA Telescope StarCut 410 plus€84.45Details →

Category:

Garden Design