Cutting back clematis is in no way traumatic to them. It is highly recommended that all newly planted clematis be cut back and treated as type IIIs the first couple of years in the ground. Cutting back older clematis just reinvigorates them.

Whew! This is good to know! Thanks so much!
Kristy :)

Don't be alarmed if they stop growing for a while. The ones I have cut back have had little or no new grow above the soil, but still look healthy.

Don't be alarmed if they stop growing for a while. The ones I have cut back have had little or no new grow above the soil, but still look healthy.

So, if I prune them back hard this fall they will be slow in the spring? I haven't decided yet when to prune them. I for sure want to enjoy the flowers right now so I'm waiting for that. I was wondering, though, if I cut them back in the fall (maybe September-ish) are they going to be tricked into growing again right away? But I think you answered that question before I even asked it!

Thanks!
Kristy :)

Don't cut them back in September.

Do it now or wait until Spring.

Cutting them back will encourage new growth and you don't want that in your zone in fall.

Cutting them back will encourage new growth and you don't want that in your zone in fall.

Okay...this is what I was worried about. It would probably kill me to cut all those gorgeous blooms down right now so I guess I am going to have to test my patience and wait until spring!

Thanks!!
Kristy :)

I agree. In your zone, I would definitely not cut them back in September, although I am not sure how cold you are in September. Either way, cut now or relatively soon or wait until spring.