When deciding how and when to trim clematis, don’t remove a developing bud. For maximum benefit, prune clematis montana immediately after the blooming cycle ends. Clematis montana prefers partial sun and can tolerate more shade in hotter climates. Clematis montana var. Why prune clematis anyway? rubens Clematis sibirica Group 2 (light) – are the large-flowered varieties that begin to bloom in May or early June with the first flush of flowers appearing on the previous year’s growth, followed by a smaller flush on new growth. Clematis montana var. Clematis plants include some of the most spectacular garden flowers, including climbing vines and clumping, spreading plants that feature some of the largest, most colorful flowers to be found. You can prune them at any time - but you'll sacrifice flowers - for quite a while. Always prune clematis when flowering is finished. If left unpruned, clematis vines become overloaded with decrepit stems that produce few flowers. Prune clematis for shape at this time, removing up to one third of the plant, if needed. Pruning your clematis keeps it healthy and vigorous, helps stop the plant collapsing under its own weight, and encourages flowers to bloom at a sensible height. If they flower from late June onwards, hard prune in February as they will flower on new seasons growth. But when and how do you go about pruning a plant notorious for its tendency to gallop away into a tangled mess? Just come across another photo of my clematis, you can see how its growing nicely along the boundary between me and my neighbour. Clematis armandii can take severe pruning in stride. Perform in March or April depending on the blooming. If you prune clematis immediately after bloom time is finished, you won’t have to worry about removing next year’s flowers. If you are unsure or forget which group your Clematis fall into, the simple way to remember is that if they flower before June, prune lightly as they will flower on the previous year's growth. This lovely pale pink flowering vine generally blooms sometime between March and May. Just come across another photo of my clematis, you can see how its growing nicely along the boundary between me and my neighbour. To be honest - the way it is in that pic, is how they're ideally meant to be - a glorious, big sweep of flowers on a large, sprawling framework, so a narrow border isn't suitable for them, unless you leave it for the montana only. Pruning clematis montana video. Advertisement. Pruning clematis montana requires consideration for the blooming time of this plant. Once you’re familiar with the bloom time of your clematis, you will be able to prune the vine before buds begin to develop. Cut back dead wood and the weakest stems completely. Even if you hard prune it to a stump, it will sprout back new stems. Pruning your clematis keeps it healthy and vigorous, helps stop the plant collapsing under its own weight, and encourages flowers to bloom at a sensible height. Clematis Pruning, Step by Step In this step-by-step guide, learn how you can keep your clematis strong, tidy, and heavy-blooming starting with training a new plant you just bought and working through to an old giant that needs rejuvenation. Cut back stems that have born flowers by about 20 inches (50 cm). The more clematis is pruned, the more it bears flowers! When to prune a clematis? Clematis pruning groups include those that flower on new growth and those that bloom on last year’s woody stem.