Snow cover actually protects plants from winter winds and fluctuating temps.

Do you know to prune new clematis back to 6-12 inches above the crown for the first two-three years? This allows the energy to help establish a good root system. Do this pruning before the new spring growth.

Pruning is different than pinching. Here is a link about pinching new clematis growth. You can do a search to find more postings on pinching if you wish.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1809751/pinching-out-new-growth?n=5

I like to put alfalfa pellets around the plants when the new growth appears. Also may fertilize with a tomato fertilizer. Do not fertilize after buds appear as that will force quick opening and bloom fading. Fertilizing older plants after they have been pruned back in the later spring/early summer may give more blooms in the fall.

I know only a little bit about pruning and your advice is quite helpful. I bought two clematis plants through mail order and planted them in October. They didn't have enough time to grow more than about 18 inches before it started to snow in December. That's why I am confused if there will be anything much to prune this first year before the new spring growth. Or should I just let them grow the first year without pruning or pinching? Thank you for all your advice.

Prune and pinch them this year and next year. I remember being confused when I was new to growing clematis, too. Glad to be able to help. Be sure to ask when you have more questions.

Pruning doesn't hurt a clematis. It may delay bloom time but new clematis plants will be much stronger if they are pruned.

Will do! Thank you.

Curious to hear how your clematis is doing. I also planted one last fall and babied it all winter. I am curious about pruning it this spring. (I know it will be hard for me!) What can we expect from it this summer?

Unfortunately, since the winter hit us very hard this year, my clematis was under the snow until a few days ago. There has not been any growth because it was frozen under the snow (more than 4 feet!). I'll just do a slight pruning as per advice earlier in the thread and will surely post the updates. I hope your clematis will do well!

Oh wow! You have had a hard winter! Ours has been mild, in fact we are expecting drought conditions this summer. I did not know that clematis were so hardy, I suppose I over protected mine this winter. I just received my Josephine yesterday and will plant her and give her a little trim as well! Looking forward to hearing from you as spring progresses!