Initial pruning of Clematis

Hi Bernard. I have loads of clematis of different types. and that is the problem. There are different types.

The only one I cut back ever is type 3. The jackmanii is the most famous of these.

Except for type 3 as I said, I never cut back. Should I cut back my Montana? No way. It is rampant. I don't know what yours are but I would search each one on Google (or Ask or any search engine) and if it isn't type 3 I would just let it go. Actually if you got them last spring let the lot go. But find the type 3s for next year.

I'm going to start putting disclaimers into my answers. Most gardeners agree most of the time. But if some real clematis expert (like Spritzhenry) disagrees (and I'm serious, not sarcastic) then you will have to decide yourself. Me. I like the easy life. It usually works.

John.

Sarraceniac .. You sound like a Politician, I've tried tio add disclaimers to my advice too. So much in Gardening is susceptible to varying factors that make it wise to' play it by ear'. and those Clematis will be best left alone

Poaannua. I used to be a local councillor. So I was sort of in politics (if that is what it is called). The reason I am cautious is because I used to be a member of a forum where if you advised anything that wasn't exactly by the RHS dictate someone leaped on you and quoted the book. I'm glad you said it, but I agree 100%. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

John

Bernard, I am not a Clematis expert - thanks Sarra for the compliment - I just have rather a lot of them! However, to your question - I've read it too but I don't take any notice of it either. I do plant my Clematis deep though, to try to help against wilt. I have lost two this year through wilt and hope that they will send up new shoots next spring from the roots. I do prune my group 3 plants in early spring, back to about a foot or so from ground level. I also prune the group 2 ones gently when I can see the new shoots appearing. The early flowering evergreen group 1 Clematis including the montanas, alpinas and cirrhosas - no way as Sarra says. I try to get round and feed them all monthly (but probably miss some) - but they all get a good feed and a mulch in the spring! I hope all this helps - I am also going to say that this is what I do - I am sure that other people may well have different methods!

I wrote a web page on how to succeed with clematis here
http://www.winsfordwalledgarden.com/garden_world.aspx?group=world_garden&page=grow_clematis

Or type in 'how to grow clematis' in Google - it's on the first page!

Oh, what a lovely lot you are! Virtually unanimous in your answer to my question. Many thanks to you all. A supplementary question for Spritzhenry - can you tell me what sort of feed you use on your Clematis?
Thanks again
Regards
bernard

Bernard. I can answer that. Good old tomato feed will cause no problems.

I use Miraclegro as well as tomato food, whichever comes to hand first! If the can is watering my tubs with the former, that's what they get...and vice-versa.