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When To Prune Clematis Japonica

NGLittleSeedlingsNGLittleSeedlings Posts: 725
in Problem solving

Hello,

I was wondering if somebody could tell me when it is best to prune Clematis Japonica and how is the best way to do it?

I am asking as now that it has turned brown I imagine it would be best to do it now?

Thank you,

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391

    Hi Ngcards, c.japonica is a group 1 so doesn't need any pruning.  All you need to do is remove any unwanted growth if it gets too large and you do this immediately after flowering so that the plant has time to grow new shoots before the leaves fall in late autumn.  Group 1 clematis flower only on wood which is one year old or more so of you ever need to cut it back hard you will lose flowers for a year.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • NGLittleSeedlingsNGLittleSeedlings Posts: 725

    Thanks Bob! I have only had it a year so hopefully we shall see some flowers next year on it. I'l make sure I keep my pruning shears well away from it for the time being then.

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