Huldine is actually a type 3 clem so one that does best with an annual hard prune - down to the second set of buds from the ground. It only blooms on growth produced that season, so hard pruning not only keeps the vine's height in check (maybe 15-20' at most, not thousands :-)) and brings the flowers down closer to eye level.

Type 2's can be hard pruned as well. It happens naturally with winter in colder areas but many clematis growers just like to simplify any pruning tasks by using the same method for all. At most, it just delays flowering slightly.....a few weeks perhaps.

It's taking off like wildfire so I'll prune after the first flush of flowers. At least it didn't die during the ice and sub zero temps we had for a week!

There is still probably plenty of time to prune now. Type 3 clems typically do not start flowering until midsummer.....July (could be a bit earlier in some areas). They are also not repeat bloomers but do have an extended bloom period compared to the 2's. I have more type 3's than other pruning groups. Some are leafing out hard; others are just getting started but I would prune any of them now if necessary (have already done so for the most part). Even with well defined leaf buds or full leaves, it doesn't hurt to prune the plants back if they need it or you want to control size and clean up the vine. You won't miss out on the flowering :-)

Maybe these aren't Huldines, and they're only a couple of feet tall right now. :) These will put off a heavy bloom then keep blooming all summer but not as heavy. I lost my info on the other computer. I need to see if they're Huldines or not. They probably are.

Yep, they're Huldine!

Old topic