Majeekahead's Blog

Calling all Clematis experts!

Posted on 6 Dec, 2007 3 comments

i need some advice please on two clematis i have put in this year. i know that the general rule with most things is if it flowers before july you cut back in the autumn and if it flowers after you cut back in the spring, i have always loved them but i have’nt had much experience with clematis as my previous garden was completely surounded with privit hedges that needed constant cutting back otherwize they completely blocked out the light. anyway getting back to the advice i need, i now have loads of bear fence in my new garden and i have indulged in a few. i know that some clemaits require more pruning than others and at different times of year so maybe anyone out there growning these two would be able to help me out.
the first is C. tangutica, it was a tiny sprig when i put it in spring time and it has made its way right up a fence panel and has been great loads of flowers and then the really stunning seed heads, but it is now looking a bit shabby, so is it best to cut back now or in the spring? and how do i do it? the other one i am not 100% i have the variety right but i think it is C. jackmanii ‘Rubra’ it has flowered both in early summer and then again in autumn. i did try to include photos of them both but i could’nt work out how to do this as they are not among my lates photos, i took them some time ago and it only gave me the option to add one of my latest ones. oh and one last thing don’t know if this makes a difference at all but i live in Essex so the weather has been quite mild for the last few weeks.

Comments

Andrewr

6 Dec, 2007

You cut both of these back in the spring just as they start to shoot. Trace from ground level up to the first or second strong growth buds and cut off everythng above them. Very drastic but worth it in the long run, else you finish with a mass of tangled growth at the top and a bare bottom. If you are worried about the mass of top growth possibly pulling over the fence during the winter, you could reduce it by 50% but leave the final cut until spring to see where it is regrowing

Spritzhenry

6 Dec, 2007

I totally agree with Andrew - the tangutica in particular is very vigorous and can be cut back hard in the spring. Ours grew over ten feet from the time we cut it back this year almost down to ground level, I only mention this because it can be difficult to find the buds at its base, but it doesn't matter too much, it is a forgiving Clematis. Your jackmanii will be much easier!