ÂGeneral Sikorski is a type 2 (Group B) & viticella ÂPolish Spirit is a type 3 (Group C). I don't see that cutting them down to 2' will hurt them any. If you can't tell which are which, that may be all you can do. They're rather forgiving plants. More specific details on pruning each group can be found under the Clematis FAQS section, http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/clematis-pruning-guide.aspx or http://www.chalkhillclematis.com/nursery_shop/plantcare.htm

actually it is Jackmanii and polish spirit...still okay to prune them hard with buds on them?

As they are both pruning group 3, you SHOULD prune them every year, or you'll only get higher growth, and they'll get "bare legs." You definately won't hurt them. Prune away!

sweet! Thanks guys. That must be why the polish spirit is like 10 feet high nearing the power line (it is crawling up a huge smoke bush).

Jenn

All the easier since both are group C. Bloom on these are from new (current season's) growth. Prune back to strong leaf buds 1-2' from the ground in late winter or early spring or else as gladahmae says, you'll get "bare legs". They bloom on the upper part of the vine. However, for future reference, if you plant other type 3's, there is no need to cut them back so severely if you are going to let them ramble up into a tree where you want their blossoms held high.

It will not hurt them to prune when they are budded. Not at all. They should be pruned hard every year.