Return to the Clematis Forum | Post a Follow-Up

o
Cutting back SAC

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
Posted by ohio_gal 5 (My Page) on
Fri, Nov 5, 10 at 12:21

Hi! I have a sweet autumn clematis that is several years old. I have never done much to it besides trim it up a tad come springtime. Now, however, it has outgrown and broken the puney, wooden trellis I started it out on. I would like to replace it with something much more substantial. What I guess I need to know is just how much I can cut this back without damage to the vine, and when is the best time of year to do this? The lower portion(s) of this vine are very thick and woody. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer me. =)

Follow-Up Postings:

o
RE: Cutting back SAC

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

SAC should have been cut back to the ground once each early spring. It is a "type 3" clematis that gets pruned to the ground.
In spring (about the time the forsythia's start to bloom) prune it down all the way to the ground or at most to 6 inches high. Don't worry it'll grow back fast! :)
I am also in Ohio, north east Ohio near Cleveland. :)

o
RE: Cutting back SAC

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

If it has already developed a very woody base, cutting back to 6" may be a bit severe. You can cut back to the third set of buds from the base or somewhere around 18-24" above the ground and that will still accomplish the same thing. btw, this should be the practice with any type 3 clematis that has some age and substantial size to the trunk or lower stems.

o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Clematis Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.