Much easier to prune and then move. You normally end up breaking stems if you move one without some pruning.

Agreed

I agree that it is easier, but I also have gently tied the vines together before moving.

Can I prune my shrubs and Clematis at this time in April?
Thanks.

Yes. I prune both at the same time.

Renato, it depends on the type of shrubs and clematis you have. If the shrubs are spring flowering ones and still haven't bloomed, pruning them now will remove this year's flowers.

As for your clematis, again it depends on the pruning group and the length of your growing season. I can prune all my type IIs as IIIs and still get one if not two bloom cycles on them. Some type IIs only bloom double on old wood that has gone through the winter cold. Your type IIIs can be pruned now if you haven't already done so.

For us to be more specific, you need to provide more information as to the type of shrubs and clematis you have.

She's a zone lower than I am. Getting 2 bloom cycles isn't going to happen most years, if any. Three cycles - never.

I wrote a big post on pruning shrubs, but decided not to post it. Maybe I should have left it. lol

Here is basically what I deleted...

I check all my shrubs in early spring, before the leaves come out, to see if they need pruning regardless of their bloom time. Read prune - not shear - huge difference. With the exception of Spirea, I can't think of anything off the top of my head that would require shearing in the northern tier. I don't believe in the over-generalized pruning rule that is so pervasive. To me, saying that you should only prune spring flowering shrubs after they flower is as wrong as saying that clematis roots need to be shaded.

I prune in early spring, before the leaves come out, I can see cross branching, odd growth directions, or, depending on what shrub, remove old growth, and even open the middle a squosh if necessary. If I cut off some blooms, so what, I'd rather correct problems when I can clearly see them.

Thanks for the advise. I knew I could count on you folks.
Lois