Do it.

They will sprout more vines from the crowns.

Ditto. Do it! This is what is called for by most people who really know clematis. The plant will thank you for it in the future. After doing so, the plant will send out more vines which can harden off for blooms next spring.

I cut them back last night. Willy I cut about 2/3 of the entire plant down and Mayleen I cut in 1/2.

I put in this past Spring, HF Young, Dr. Ruppel, John Paul - they had stopped blooming, so I cut them back too, although not as severely as the Group 1's. I am now thinking that I should fertilize them. Can one fertilize throughout the year if the plant is not setting buds?

Carolyn

I would cut them all back hard and fertilize them all.

You only want to fertilize during the growing season, before and after blooming. You need to stop by August to let the new growth harden off for winter.

Guess I know I am doing this weekend ( I really enjoy working with them!)

Thank you! It is greatly appreciated.

Carolyn