Carolyn, clematis don't read books and for the most part don't really care how they are pruned except for perhaps the type Is. The fact that you have found it listed as both a type 2 and 3 means it can be pruned as either. COTW lists it as a type 2.

Regardless of how you decide to prune it, remember that all clematis benefit by being treated as type 2s the first year or two in the ground because it stimulates root development over top development and encourages more basal stem development from the crown.

Another thing to consider is that in your zone 5 garden, the plant, depending on the severity of your winters, may die back to the ground each year or some years and how you decide to prune the plant may be decided by mother nature.

They like to be treated at type 3's the first year or two not type 2's. I think that is what she meant to say.

I think nckvilledudes is a "he" but you are right, treat as 3's the first year or two.

I will treat Silmakivi as type 3. I do understand that they all have to be cut down to the first node in the first couple of years - I am trying to get everything straight as I am journaling all of the information on each plant and I want to have the correct type listed with each plant.

Miguel, I already have some that die back all the way to the ground in the winter, so I do know what you mean. I have to tell you, I am quite envious of your zone.

Thank you to everyone for your help.

Carolyn

Carolyn,
Silmakivi is a clematis bred by the Kivistik family at Roogoja Farm in Estonia - approximately at the same level north as Juneau, Alaska.

As Roogoja farm is known to be the northernmost breeding nursery for clematis (58 th parallel), our aim in breeding was to create clematis with relatively low height and with yearly rich blossom on the annual shoots. That is the reason why we recommend our breedings to be grown in the northern countries. As the annual shoots seldom survive winter in Estonia, we cut them down in autumn to 5-15 cm, and cover the plant with peat.

From their website, their pruning instructions.

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Good luck! It's a beautiful clematis.

Here is a link that might be useful: Roogoja farm - the Kivistik gardens

Homemaker,

What a gorgeous gallery! I was very pleased to see some of my new purchases in the gallery. I can only hope that mine attain the beauty that these clematis's have attained. I am also thrilled with the fact that these plants are 'extra cold hardy'.

Thank you so much for sharing.

Carolyn