Clematis
are split into three groups according to their flowering times
and the pruning required.Group
2 Clematis flower in the spring and then again often later on
in the season in the autumn, the later flush of flowers
not being as great as the first. There are a great number of
hybrids in this group and so actual flowering times and durations
vary enormously.
They flower on the wood produced in the previous
growing season. As the grouping is determined by flowering time
and pruning requirements, it is made up of a number of different
species and a great many cultivars and named varieties.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early
spring before any new growth has emerged. Cut back too-long
shoots to healthy buds and remove any dead wood only when frost
danger has passed. Old congested plants can be thinned by removing
about 1 in 3 woody shoots. If total renovation is needed they
can be cut right back to the base, 6-12 inches above the ground
just after flowering - don't do this again for at least
three years though.
This group generally need little in the way
of pruning. If hard pruning is required, the spring flowers
are usually lost, but the later flush in the first year will
be much better, then the plant can get back to normal the year
after.
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