• Group 1- little or none.
• Group 2- lightly to maintain size.
• Group 3- hard pruning.

In our area, most clematis fall into groups 2 or 3. Following are some popular varieties:

Group 2 Clematis (light)

Large-flowered doubles and re-bloomers usually fall into group 2. They bloom in spring on old wood and then again in late summer on new wood. As plants leaf out in the spring, remove any stems that have died back. Then do a light pruning to keep the vine trained to its structure. Make sure their growing structure is tall enough to accommodate the mature size of the vine. Group 2 cultivars are good companions to climbing roses because their pruning requirements are similar.

Group 3 Clematis (hard)

Group 3 cultivars are the easiest ones to prune. They bloom in spring and summer as well as fall. This is a large group of clematis with lots of different heights and flower sizes to choose from. You have to be ruthless for this group of clematis to grow their best. Since they only bloom on new wood, cut the entire plant down to within a foot of the ground, leaving just 2 to 4 sets of buds per stem (see right illustration). If you don’t, the plant will be thin at the base and full of dead stems from the previous year’s growth. The flowers will also be smaller, fewer and only towards the top of the vine. Any group 3 cultivar can also be used as a ground cover.

One of the most important things you can do is properly prune your type of vine. However, after the first year all types should be cut back to 10-12”. This is important to encourage low branching and heavier flowering over the whole vine.

2.  START WITH THE SOIL

Clematis prefer slightly alkaline soil. A pH of 7-7.5 is just right. Dig the hole 18” deep and wide. Work in lots of organic matter, such as EKO COMPOST. Set young plants deeply so the first two sets of leaf nodes will be underground – (see right illustration). This encourages plants to send up more stems so you’ll have a thicker plant. Water in thoroughly with Quick Start.

3.  MULCHING MATTERS

“Head in the sun, feet in the shade” is old clematis advise. A 4-inch layer of mulch will keep the roots cool and moist just as well as shade does. A more colorful suggestion is to plant shallow rooted annuals around the base of the vine.

4.  MAKING THE CUT

The best place to prune a stem is just above two strong buds -(see left illustration)- where two leaves were growing the previous year. These buds will quickly develop into new stems. Don’t worry about making angled cuts – it’s not necessary.

5.  RECOGNIZE DISEASE QUICKLY

Clematis wilt is easy to spot: A portion of your vine wilts quickly, often just as the plant starts to bloom. Wilt is caused by a fungus that enters the stem, usually just above the soil line. There is no cure other than to cut the entire stem to the ground and dispose of it in the trash. Do this as soon as you notice the wilt. That will prevent spores from moving to other stems. Systemic fungicides can help prevent wilt from spreading to healthy stems. Apply to vines immediately after you remove infected portions. Read the package label for specific application information. The rest of the plant usually survives, providing there are enough other healthy stems. That’s another reason to plant clematis deeply: If a  stem becomes infected and has to be removed, more will come from the base of the plant to replace it.

6.  SERVE A BALANCED DIET

Clematis like to be well fed, but not overfed. Feed clematis plants once a year, right after pruning, with an all-purpose, granulated fertilizer, such as Osmocote.

7.  CHOOSING A SITE

Clematis can vary almost as much in height as in flower color. Smaller varieties, 4’-7’, can be grown in containers with an obelisk or on small trellises. They also can be trained to grow into small trees or shrubs. These clematis are large enough to show up, but not so big that they’ll smother the shrub, giving the illusion that the woody plant blooms twice a year, with a completely different flower.  Most clematis grow 8’-12’ and make excellent subjects for covering structures, such as pergolas, arbors, fences, and large trellises.

You can also use clematis as a groundcover. A good choice is ‘Sweet Autumn’ which can grow up to 20’ in one season.

Clematis vines and roses are a classic pairing. They can be grown together on a trellis for a dramatic effect.