When the magnificent flowering of a clematis comes to an end, many hobby gardeners are unsure how to proceed with it. Should the withered flowers be cut off? Find out how to handle the topic correctly here.
Do you have to cut off wilted clematis flowers?
Should the wilted flowers of a twice-blooming clematis be cut off? Yes, after the first flowering, shorten the withered flowers along with the pair of leaves underneath. This prevents fruit heads from forming and instead encourages a second bloom in late summer.
Withered clematis must give way to twice-blooming clematis
The large Clematis family contains various magnificent hybrids that are capable of blooming twice a year. Well-known varieties such as 'The President' or 'The Cardinal' present their first flowers in spring. To ensure that the clematis unfolds its beauty once again in late summer, proceed as follows:
- Twice-flowering clematis cut back a little after the first flowers
- Shorten the withered flowers and the pair of leaves underneath them
- Carry out the radical main pruning only after the second flowering in autumn
With the withered flowers, remove all fruit stalks after the first flowering. In this way, the clematis is prevented from investing its energy in developing seeds. Instead, the climbing plant tries to produce more flowers.
