Green Shoots on Clemtis

[Mike B]

Firstly hello to all, this is my first post on this forum, i'm sure my stay here will be a happy one

I was in the garden today for the first time in a while (25th Jan), cutting back dead growth from last year on various things and noticed that on a clemetis I planted last year, there were little green buds forming on the dead(?) stems.

I had assumed I would have to cut all last years growth out but I am now thinking maybe I should leave this one ?

Not sure what variety it is but it had purple flowers and was flowering until October. When it started to die down, the foliage also turned a purplish hue.

Any advice would be greatly recieved.

[Two_Sheds]

I guess you have a late-flowering, group 3 type of clematis, which should be hard-pruned in late winter (mid Feb) by cutting all stems back to 10" above the ground. Always ensure that each pruned stem has at least one good pair of buds on it.

[vicky]

I agree with Twosheds, but I think it's worth saying you can't do any harm by NOT pruning, all that happens is the flowers will be a little higher, until it establishes a bit more they will still be below eye level. I had one similar to yours and didn't prune it the first two years as I wanted it to cover a fence more, after that I pruned it every year as it would have put on too much growth in one season. A bit rambly - sorry!
And welcome to the vine!

[Mike B]

Thanks for the advice