Retraining a Mature Clematis

[RobFJ]

A garden arch with a mature clematis entwined in it was blown down during the gale last week. The arch will have to be replaced. The roots of the clematis are a couple of feet away from the base of the arch and there is little foliage on the half dozen or so branches from the root to about 4ft off the ground.

Any advice on how I should prune it and how hard.


Sent from my iPad using Grow Your Own Forum

[veggiechicken]

Hi Rob and welcome. I've recently cut back a mature clematis that was entwined in a jasmine, both growing up an obelisk that had fallen down and had to be removed. They had to be cut right back in order to remove the obelisk thing. Where I could leave young growth I did but I'm surprised at how quickly it has grown back up its new support. There's even a flower bud or two. So, be brave but be selective if you can. They're tough old plants

[Bill HH]

Welcome,

I have a huge clematis and I chopped it off at the base, I expected the stump to rot, but no it pushed out tons of new growth this year. As Veggie said "Be brave" If it dies claim compensation off Veggie because it was her idea first.

[WendyC]

Some clematis are pruned hard every year so don't be afraid to give it a chop. Do you know which one it is? Or even when it flowers? The worst that could happen is that it doesn't flower next year, or is late to flower. Give it a mulch of something and I'm sure it will forgive you.

[RobFJ]

Thanks all for the advice. I'll just cut the main shoots at the bottom of the new arch and train it up from there.


Sent from my iPad using Grow Your Own Forum

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine Rob, luckily I don't have a Clematis anymore but from what I remember they are funny creatures when it comes to pruning as I believe there are 3 different ways but don't quote me on that. As Wendy says, try & find out the variety then goggle it to find out the pruning schedule.

[Bren In Pots]

Have a read here on the RHS site its about pruning the 3 different types of Clematis that BM posted about.

Clematis: pruning / Royal Horticultural Society

[Veggielot]

I periodically cut mine down to a few inches, normally when OH decides its start to look scruffy, probabably every 4-5 years. I find that I get better flowers after it has been done.