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Type 2 pruning

11 years ago

I planted a clearance aisle Elsa Spath two years ago. I didn't realise until very recently that I should cut my clematis down the first few years in order to get it to bush up. Each year ES has sent up just a single stem, and this year I got 5 blooms. The final flower just lost its leaves.

I'm okay with sacrificing the possibility of a rebloom for the health of my plant. Should I do the severe pruning now or wait until late next winter, February-ish? I'm a complete novice with clematis.

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You could do both :-) Cutting back hard now will result in regrowth this season but not likely any more flowers. Cutting back again hard in late winer will also encourage additional stem development and a slightly later bloom season. Neither will hurt the vine a bit and can encourage denser, bushier growth.

Try working some alfalfa meal into the soil surrounding the plant. Alfalfa contains a natural plant growth hormone that encourages shooting from the root crown.
widdringtonia thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
widdringtonia
Original Author
11 years ago
Clipping will commence tomorrow. And I'll have it on my calendar to cut back next year. Thanks!
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widdringtonia
Original Author
11 years ago
And it's done!
echogard
11 years ago
Now take a deep breath.

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