Clematis questoin

11 years ago

I have a potted clematis that I bought about er....5 months ago... When I first got it it was in good shape, and I put it on my balcony against a trellis. It did begin to grow up the trellis and then...nothing. The plant was technically alive but totally stagnant. No new discernible growth.

Anyway about two weeks ago a guest accidentally bumped the pot and it fell over and so naturally it pulled a bit on the vine that was connected to the trellis. But I don't think it caused any real damage...the leaves seem still alive.

Anyway, I'm thinking that this plant needs a kick-start...that maybe I should just cut the growth to just a few inches above the soil line? Or is this not a good time to do that since it's getting cooler and the days shorter?

Should I NOT cut it back, and just let it go dormant and then see what happens with the plant in the Spring? And is the Spring a time when you would normally cut back a Clematis anyway....maybe early Spring after the danger of frost has passed?

Thanks all!

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Comments (4)

bogturtle
11 years ago
Clematis sometimes flower on last years wood and need pruning after bloom, in Spring. Or some will bloom on growth that occurs that same year. You have to decide, and websites do tell the two groups and what common cultivars belong to which.
My experience is that Clematis do well for me if their roots are in the shade and head in the sun, but I can see how a potted plant on a balcony cannot be given these conditions.
Just googling in clematis pruning times might lead to info.
Lynn Nevins
Original Author
11 years ago
Tx. I will try and find pruning info for my cultivar, though my question was more about the fact that it's never really thrived and sustained a little damage, and so it's not just 'regular pruning' I'm asking about, but more corrective/reparative pruning...whether I can do so now...or if it's too close to the cold season?

I did read that their roots need protection from heat/sun and so I have a thick layer of white rocks on top of the soil for this very reason...

tx
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
You are unlikely to damage a clematis by pruning, even at inopportune times. There are 3 different pruning groups depending on how and what time of year the clematis blooms but all young clematis should get pruned the same regardless of pruning group. Generally the timing is the same as for roses - late winter or early spring when the forsythia is blooming - but you can also do it during winter when the vine is dormant. Young clematis should be cut back hard - to two sets of buds - for their first couple of seasons to help encourage a strong root system and mutiple stemming from the root crown. After that they can be pruned as recommended for that cultivar.

The feet in shade, head in sun concept is really a bit of a myth :-) It is not the sun/shade or warm versus cool issue at play here but soil moisture. Clematis need an evenly moist root run and that tends to happen more often in a cooler, shaded siting. But by no means is that essential - provided one is diligent in watering, growing clematis in containers in full sun is entirely possible.

FWIW, there is an entire forum devoted to clematis here on GW. Lots of rather active participants there who can answer any additional questions.
Lynn Nevins
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks so much Gardengal. I can always depend on you for great input!! ;-)