Clematis: Clems on discount., 1 by pirl

pirl wrote:
All three are in Class/Group 2, per the attached Fine Gardening list:
http://www.finegardening.com/pages/g00156_pe.asp

Here are the instructions for pruning the Group 2 clematises:
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/champaign/homeowners/03100...

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However...many of us treat them as Group 3 (like Jackmanii) and prune them to a pair of buds about a foot from the ground and get beautiful flowering. That would be hard pruning in late winter to early spring and feed with either rose or tomato fertilizer. Remember when pruning to leave a pair of buds so the vines can grow from them.

After you prune them and feed them you might want to add mulch in the form of compost to provide a constant level of moisture that will help the clematis to grow (the soil won't dry out as fast as without the compost or mulch).

If you want to go strictly by the book you can prune your Group 2 plants back to a strong pair of buds and clear out any dead wood you find but try not to break or bend any good stems.

Any questions?

Here's a photo of the buds and you'll find them about 10 to 12" from the ground.

This message was edited Sep 12, 2010 7:45 PM