1st Prune mid- to late spring, after flowering and once the risk of frost has passed or for other types of clematis prune in febuary or when the first flush of flowers have died off. happy to help :)

Many thanks, a job for tomorrow, regards Ann

Can you remember the name of the Clematis, as that would help in saying exactly when and how to prune it? Personally, I never dead head any of our clematis as I rather like the seed heads which form after the flowers have finished.

I agree its important to know which Clematis you have so that you prune at the right time. There are 3 main types of pruning groups and with Group 1 no essential pruning required, these types of clematis flower on last seasons growth so low maintenance. My Montana Broughton Star has just finished flowering and is Group 1 and I never prune it.(thats not to say you carnt though!)

Thanks for your replies, i have put a picture on now, as i do not know what type of clematis this is, that was taken a couple of years ago and is much bigger and thicker now, Does anyone know the name? Thanks.