Clematis: pruning

[Two_Sheds]

Can anyone explain to me when to prune Clematis? I don't know what variety they are, but def. not Montana. I have read & read about pruning, but it just doesn't sink in. I find it so confusing. I think I should be doing it about now, but I don't want to go ahead and cut off all this year's flower-buds.

[Palustris]

It is actually quite simple in a complicated sort of way. You need to remember when your clematis flower. If it is before June then you do not prune (except to remove dead or unwanted material which can be done at any time really). If they flower after June then you need to know what kind they are to be really sure of getting it right. BUT as a general rule (with exceptions), the later they flower, the earlier and harder you can prune without losing flowers.
Evergreen and winter flowering ones should only be pruned to remove dead and unwanted material in Spring.
Finally, if you do not prune at all, it does not really matter. All that will happen is that your flowers will be higher and higher up the plant as the new growth starts off higher and higher. Then you can prune it!
Also if you can take a picture of them in flower I can probably help you identify them, if only to type.