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Early pruning advised?

BerkleyBerkley Posts: 428
I have a number of clematis which I always prune in late February. But this year, although it's only mid-Jan, we've had well above average temperatures and all the plants are showing lots of buds. So should I prune them now - or leave them another five weeks or so? I don't want them to become leggy if I leave them too long.....advice appreciated.

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  • chickychicky Posts: 10,321

    I would think the danger of doing it now is if we suddenly get a cold snap, which will knock the new growth back.  If it were me, i would wait .....

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 20,911

    I'm leaving mine for a bit, as Chicky says.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Same here.  Pruning promotes fresh growth and that's something I don't want to do at this stage - I think we are unlikely to get to spring without a good hard frost at some stage.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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