Q: My clematis are looking rather ugly now, but is fall a good time to prune them?
A: The optimal time to prune clematis depends on what type of clematis you have. There are three groups of clematis, which are based on their flowering time.
Group 1 (or A) clematis bloom in the spring (around April-May) from buds that were formed in the previous summer and fall. These should be pruned after they’ve stopped flowering but before mid-July. Group 1 clematis typically only need light pruning to neaten and shape them, but they can be pruned back further if desired.
Group 2 (or B) clematis bloom abundantly in late spring (May-June) and again less prolifically in fall (September-October). Group 2 clematis are best pruned in late February or March and should only be cut back to a pair of healthy buds, usually not more than half of the entire length of the vine. Group 2 clematis do not do well with heavy pruning. Dead stems can also be pruned out at this time. If needed, some light pruning of group 2 clematis may be done following late spring blooming.
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Finally, group 3 (or C) clematis bloom in late summer/early fall on new growth. Group 3 clematis are best pruned in late February or March and can tolerate the most severe pruning, back to about 12 inches from the ground. For more information about pruning clematis, visit .
Write to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Center for Home Gardening at plantinformation@mobot.org or the Horticulture Answer Service, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë, MO 63110.