So that the clematis blooms as lushly as possible, you have to cut it regularly. Is this sentence even true? And when is the best time to prune? Read why it's best to cut certain types of clematis in autumn.
Should you generally cut clematis in autumn?
In the fall, only prune the clematis that bloom late in the year. Basically, this rule only applies to the clematis thatbloom in the summertwice-flowering varieties can also be cut in autumn, but only a little. For this group, the second cut occurs after flowering. Under no circumstances is autumn pruning appropriate for spring-flowering species and varieties of clematis, otherwise you would cut away the buds that have already formed.
Which clematis should you cut in autumn?
Are you unsure whether you need to prune your clematis in the fall or not? Then take a look at when your specimen blooms, as the threecutting groups are divided according to the respective flowering time:
- Pruning group: Spring-blooming clematis with flowering time in April and May
- Pruning group: Twice-flowering clematis with first flowering in May / June
- Cutting group: Summer-flowering clematis
Of these groups, only the varieties from cutting groups two and three are cut back in autumn.
How do you cut back clematis in autumn?
The respective pruning group not only decides whether you have to cut the clematis in autumn or not. It also gives tips on how to properly prune the clematis.
- Twice-flowering clematis ofPruning group II Only shorten them by around 20 centimeters in autumn. Another pruning takes place after the first flowering in June.
- Summer-flowering species ofPruning group III, however, must be cut back heavily in November / Decemberto around 20 to 30 centimeters above the ground
Which clematis should you not cut in autumn?
Under no circumstances should you cut clematis fromPruning group I in the fall. These mainly include these forms:
- Alpine clematis (Clematis alpina)
- Large-flowered clematis (Clematis macropetala)
- Mountain clematis (Clematis montana)
The spring bloomers areonly cut back a little after flowering. If you cut them before flowering, you might not get the abundance of flowers you were hoping for.
What to do if you forget to prune your clematis in autumn?
If you forgot to prune the clematis in the fall, you can do it in late winter - i.e. H.in Februaryor at the latestin March– catch up. But then be careful not to cut away any new shoots - otherwise you will also remove the flower buds that have already formed. However, a later pruning should not be done, in which case it is best to wait fornext autumn
Tip
Do you really have to cut back the clematis?
With the exception of the clematis species in cutting group I - these do not necessarily need pruning - you should cut clematis regularly. This will prevent the climbing plants from aging and ensure that they bloom lushly for as long as possible. In addition, autumn pruning prevents or at least curbs common diseases such as mildew.