Pruning, Clematis

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 10 (Supplement)

Pruning, Clematis

The pruning of clematis varies according to their type and time of flowering. The very early flowering kinds, such ay Clematis montana and indivisa, should be pruned in the summer when flowering is finished; but those which continue to bloom throughout January and February should not be pruned until August, though a little regulation of growth during summer will do no harm, The pruning of the early kinds will have been completed before this, but if for any reason it was overlooked, it is not too late to thin out the overcrowded growths. Commence operations bv cutting out any dead or damaged shoots; then remove a little of the largest and oldest "wood, leaving plenty of strong young shoots. It is always necessary to proceed carefully when pruning clematis, for the growth is thin and brittle; clumsy handling 411 ay easily result in a great deal of damage. In particular, watch the base of the plant, for this is all important. It is a good plan to put in three or four good ties near the bottom before starting to prune or train. These will prevent movement and possible cracking at the collar, which would be disastrous. Above all see that the base of the plant is not exposed to full sunshine. Dwarf growing plants will afford just the amount of shade required. The suddciv collapse of many fine clematis can be traced to this needless exposure to which the plants strongly object.