The blue-flowering clematis 'Arabella' is a stunner in a delicate and unobtrusive way - regardless of whether it grows as a ground cover or uses an obelisk to hold on. But what is the best way to cut them?
When and how should you cut the clematis 'Arabella'?
The Clematis 'Arabella' should be cut back to 20 to 40 cm above the ground in spring (February to early March) before budding. Pruning promotes compact growth, prevents baldness and enables lush flowering.
When does the Clematis 'Arabella' need pruning?
The Clematis 'Arabella' needs pruning inSpring. As a perennial clematis, also called Clematis integrifolia, it belongs to cutting group 3. Representatives of this group are also the Clematis viticella and texensis. It is best to cut the Clematis 'Arabella' between February and the beginning of March. This is before they sprout and new shoots are not injured by cutting old shoots.
Why should you cut the Clematis 'Arabella'?
Pruning is necessary for the Clematis 'Arabella' so that it can sprout unhindered. Pruning means that the old shoots cannot take light from the new shoots and budding begins at the usual time. In addition, cutting back means that the clematis 'Arabella' does not become bald, but instead growscompact. If you forget to prune, this could result in this clematis becoming senescent and hardly producing any flowers.
How do you cut the clematis 'Arabella' correctly?
All long shoots of the Clematis 'Arabella' areradical cut back. This means that you cut the plant down to 20 to 40 cm above the ground with secateurs.
In addition, you can cut these clematis while it is in bloom to obtain cut flowers. However, only remove individual flower stalks to avoid shocking the plant. The flowers are ideal for bouquets.
Can the Clematis 'Arabella' also be cut in autumn?
In warm regions with mild wintersthe clematis 'Arabella' can be cut in late autumn. The period is between November and December. If you choose to do this, be sure to prune the hardy clematis on a frost-free day. The disadvantage of this pruning in autumn, however, is that this perennial clematis cannot provide shelter for birds and insects over the winter.
What should you do after cutting the Clematis 'Arabella'?
Once the pruning is done, the Clematis 'Arabella' should befertilized. It then has enough nutrients available to produce energetic, fresh shoots from the soil. To fertilize, use a complete fertilizer (€47.00 at Amazon), which both stimulates growth and supports the formation of many flower buds.
Tip
Cut lightly after flowering to encourage new blooms
If you cut your Clematis 'Arabella' immediately after flowering - very little - new flowers may appear after a few weeks. To support this, you should fertilize the plant properly.
