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Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

I have a large 13 year old clematis (I think it is a Nellie moser)growing up a fence that needs replacing. How far back can I cut the plant without killing it? would it resurrect itself if I cut it back to say, 6" from the ground even though it would be the old wood?




Answers

 

It will thank you for it.
These plants improve enormously from being cut down to about 6 or 8" from the ground every year, late winter or early spring.
What part of the country are you in, i can be more specific if i knew.

7 Aug, 2011

 

If you cut it down by mid February next year, you will lose the early flowers, but should get the later, smaller ones in September. Recommend you just do it this once, to allow the plant to regenerate, if you want to get the early large flowers again in following years.

7 Aug, 2011

 

Also, after cutting it back put a large flowerpot, upside down over it. This will stop the 'fencer' from trampling on it! I do this a lot when 'non gardeners' are doing work near precious stuff. No amount of saying 'mind that plant' works as well!!

7 Aug, 2011

 

Nelly Moser isn't normally cut back in spring as she flowers on last year's growth.

7 Aug, 2011

 

Thanks everyone for your advice. Am in Aylesbury in North Buckinghamshire. The fence needs to come down fairly soon before it falls down so am going to have to cut it back in the next few weeks. At least I can do it with a bit more confidence now, & I'll try the trick with the flowerpot, thanks.

8 Aug, 2011

How do I say thanks?

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