Pruning

Pruning is the part of clematis growing that worries people most, so this section sets out when to cut, how hard, and when to leave the secateurs alone.

The guides explain how the three pruning groups work and how to tell which one your plant belongs to, including what to do when the label has long gone. They also cover the harder situation of a tangled, neglected climber: how low you can safely cut for each group, what timing gives the best chance of regrowth, and how to help the plant recover afterwards. The aim throughout is to give you a rule simple enough to remember, with the reasons attached, so that you can prune with confidence rather than guesswork.