How to Prune Clematis: Spring Hill Nurseries® EZ Pruning Guide
Clematis add vertical interest, can grow in small spaces or sprawl across a sunny site, and they work beautifully in containers. Bloom time varies by variety, with some flowering early and many others blooming later in the season or in autumn. The diversity that makes clematis so appealing is also what leaves many gardeners unsure about pruning. It’s easy to see why there is not a one-size-fits-all method to prune Clematis.
Let's cut through the noise about Clematis pruning — it's actually quite simple. Clematis expert Deborah Hardwick and Spring Hill Nurseries have developed an EZ Pruning system for Clematis: each plant has been placed in Red, Yellow, or Green pruning group, based on whether it blooms on old or new wood.
This guide covers all you need to know for simple Clematis pruning:
- The EZ Pruning System: Simple Like A Stoplight
- Green Pruning Group (Type III or Type C Clematis)
- Yellow Pruning Group (Type II or Type B Clematis)
- Red Pruning Group (Type I or Type A Clematis)
- Why Prune Clematis?
- Tools For Pruning Clematis
The EZ Pruning System: Simple Like a Stoplight
Here is a quick and easy overview of the categories in our EZ Pruning Guide:
- Green means go. These Clematis bloom on new vines. Cut back hard in later winter or early spring.
- Yellow means caution. Blooms on both old and new wood. Cut back lightly - just be cautious.
- Red means stop. Only trim these Clematis right after flowering, and only where needed.
- Check out a video of Deborah explaining the stoplight pruning system here.
How do I know which type of clematis I have for pruning?
For each of the Clematis plants from Spring Hill Nurseries, you can if the plant is Green, Yellow, or Red right EZ Pruning Guide group right on the product’s webpage. The description of the plant will tell you the pruning category.
Green Pruning Group (Type III or Type C Clematis)
Shop Green Pruning Group of Clematis
Clematis in the Green category also referred to as Type III or Type C Clematis, plants bloom best on new vines, often quite prolifically. They are vigorous bloomers. Most sprawling, shrubby Clematis are in the Green category.
When To Prune Green Pruning Group:
On these plants, much of the vine from the previous year are not viable for new growth. In spring, cut them down to just above the lowest node showing growth, which may be just a few inches above the soil. New growth will sprout from the node and grow vigorously.
For shrub-like clematis, you can cut them to the ground in spring before they start to grow.
For both types, prune as often or as fully as you like to promote reblooming. In most U.S. climates, new growth after a mid-season trim will rebloom with in 6-8 weeks. These plants are very forgiving if you’re new to pruning, and in fact, they’ll thank you for a good trim.
Yellow Pruning Group (Type II or Type B Clematis)
Shop Yellow Pruning Group of Clematis
Clematis in the Yellow category, also referred to as Type II or Type B Clematis, require careful pruning. Some Yellow Category Clematis cultivars can flower on new growth, but produce their biggest, best flowers on old woody stems.
When To Prune Yellow Pruning Group:
In spring, prune to remove ends that are damaged or showing no signs of new growth to keep them tidy and productive. Snip right above the highest set of fat buds breaking growth. After the first flowering of the season, you can cut back spent flowers or damaged vines, and prune to make sure the vine stays in the shape and size you’d like. Tidy up with caution, and you’ll still get a great second show.
Red Pruning Group (Type I or Type A Clematis)
Shop Red Pruning Group of Clematis
Clematis in the Red category also referred to as Type I or Type A Clematis, should not be heavily pruned. Varieties in the Red category bloom on old wood (last year’s growth), so if you prune them when you prune your others, you’ll cut off the flower buds.
If you cut back old wood and buds, it’s ok, it doesn’t mean your entire Clematis is done, but you will have reduced flowering. Clematis in the Red pruning group actually do best if you do nothing before they bloom—great news for the busy gardener!
When To Prune Red Pruning Group:
The time to prune Clematis in the Red category (Type 1 or Type A Clematis) is right after the first flowering period; Only prune back broken and damaged stems, or what’s necessary to maintain the size of vine you’d like. After that, you’ll want to leave it to develop all of those woody stems to get ready for next year.
Quick Tip—the earlier the Clematis blooms, the more caution you should use.
Red Category Clematis are usually the earliest-blooming Clematis in your garden. In general, the earlier a Clematis blooms, the more caution you should take when pruning. Very early bloomers that put on a show over your daffodils in spring will develop stems and buds early, so you may cancel next year’s flowering show if you prune at the wrong time.
Why Prune Clematis Plants?
When you prune at the right time, you’ll have a tidier and more productive Clematis that’s shaped and sized just the way you want it. Plus, just about all Clematis varieties will rebloom when pruned right after flowering, especially those in the Green and Yellow pruning categories. So, pick up those shears—it's worth the snip to enjoy another show of spectacular blooms!
Tools For Pruning Clematis
The best pruning shears for clematis are high-quality, sharpened bypass pruners. Bypass pruners make clean cuts on stems without damaging or crushing them.
To buy good bypass pruners for clematis vines, look no further than Spring Hill® Rosewood Pruners. These high-quality pruners are comfortable, easy to sharpen, and springless for easy care. Every gardener needs a good set of pruners, and these are built to last!
Remember—Clematis Are Vigorous & Adaptable
One thing to remember about Clematis pruning is that many of these vigorous, adaptable plant species can be found growing wild around the world; without the careful protection of a diligent gardener, they still thrive. They’re designed for that. Clematis love to grow, and do so quickly. Many varieties can even jump back up from being pruned to the ground and put on a lovely second show, so even if you snip the wrong place or you miss something, overall, your Clematis is going to be ok. So go ahead and take a deep breath: you’ve got this!
How To Prune Clematis: FAQs
Can I kill my clematis by pruning it too much?
In general, no, you won’t kill a clematis by pruning it back too much, but you may reduce the flowering for the year. This is especially true for Red pruning group Clematis (Type A or Type I), since they bloom on old wood.
How to prune clematis that is a tangled mess?
First, try to determine the type of Clematis you have so you can know if it blooms on old wood or new wood. In general, it’s best to prune right after flowering.
Next, know that it’s OK to hard prune your clematis – especially if that plant is tangled, overgrown, and not flowering like it used to. Cut back to buds or nodes, removing any damaged vines and spent blooms. Remember, Clematis are vigorous growers and will likely benefit from a healthy trim.
When is the best time to prune my clematis vine?
In general , the best time to prune a clematis is immediately after flowering. That way, you’ll avoid cutting back any developed buds. See the details for timing your pruning by type in the guide above.
What happens if you prune clematis at the wrong time?
Like over-pruning, if you prune a clematis at the wrong time, you may reduce the flowering for the year. This is mainly a concern for Red pruning group Clematis (Type A or Type I), since they bloom on old wood. For green pruning group Clematis (Type C or Type III) and Yellow pruning group Clematis (Type B or Type II), the plant will be more likely to quickly recover and may rebloom in that season on new growth.
Learn More:
- How To Grow & Care For Clematis
- Clematis End of Season Care Tips: How To Prepare For Winter
- Gardening Tips & Planting Guides
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