Clematis, Montana Clematis, Early Small-flowered Clematis 'Elizabeth'

I had a lovely Elizabeth, but I did have some problems. I read that the Montanas should be pruned to shape. I did not prune mine as I was...Read More fine with its natural form. It took several years to bloom and when it did they were all at the top of my house. Way too high to appreciate. I'm assuming that I actually needed to prune some vines lower down to encourage fuller flowering? Please advise. A word of warning: I pruned mine hard to about 3 ft and it died. I was stunned! I had no idea that such a vigorous plant would just disappear. So, I advise against heavy pruning. It's probably best to lightly prune throughout its growth cycle, but after flowering. I do know that it takes the previous year's growing season to produce the buds that will open in Spring. So don't prune before flowering or too long after to give it the time it needs to flower. I think my problem is that I may have pruned it below the lowest bud and that it simply wasn't able to produce new ones quickly enough to live.

Have had Clematis montana 'Elizabeth' for many years now. The trunk has become quite thick. A cloud of light pink every spring smotherin...Read Moreg my lamp post. Very fragrant of vanilla or baby powder. Needs to be pruned regularly to keep it in bounds and flowering this profusely.

Awarded RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Charming pale pink clematis. Flowers abundantly on previous year's growth. Lovely vanilla scent. Prune immediately after flowering (ta...Read Moreke cuttings at same time if required) but do not prune hard. Will grow quite large.

Please note that this clematis flowers in mid Spring.