Pruning groups
🌿 How and When to Prune Clematis: A Simple Guide for Gorgeous Blooms
If you’ve added a clematis to your garden, you’re probably looking forward to a showstopping display of blooms. But did you know that pruning your clematis properly is key to getting those spectacular flowers year after year?
Clematis varieties bloom at different times of the year, and each one needs slightly different care. That’s why they’ve been grouped into three main clematis pruning categories—and knowing which group your clematis belongs to will help you prune it correctly and encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering.
🌸 Why Should You Prune Clematis?
You might be wondering, “Do I really need to prune my clematis?” The short answer is yes—if you want to enjoy stronger plants and more abundant blooms.
Clematis won’t die if you skip pruning, but it may become leggy, tangled, and flower less impressively over time. Regular pruning helps to:
Encourage vigorous new growth
Promote more flowers
Keep your plant tidy and under control
Ensure blooms appear where you can actually see and enjoy them!
✂️ Understanding the Three Clematis Pruning Groups
Knowing your clematis’ group is essential to pruning it the right way. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Pruning Group 1 – Early Blooming Clematis (Winter to Early Spring)
These clematis varieties flower on last year’s growth, so heavy pruning will remove the buds before they bloom. Instead:
Do not cut back hard
Simply remove any dead or damaged stems after flowering
If needed, gently tidy and shape by trimming back to maintain size
Best practice: Weave new shoots into the support where you want them to grow
Common Group 1 Clematis varieties: Clematis montana, Clematis armandii
Pruning Group 2 – Repeat Flowering Clematis (Spring to Summer)
Group 2 clematis typically produce large, showy flowers in late spring or early summer, and may bloom again later in the season.
How to prune Group 2 Clematis:
In late winter or early spring (February), cut back to a strong pair of buds, usually around 30cm from the base
After the first flush of blooms, lightly prune again to a healthy pair of buds to encourage a second wave of flowers in late summer
Popular Group 2 Clematis varieties: Clematis Nelly Moser, Clematis Miss Bateman
Pruning Group 3 – Late Flowering Clematis (Late Summer to Autumn)
These clematis flower on the current season’s growth, so they benefit most from a hard prune.
How to prune Group 3 Clematis:
In February, cut stems back to around 30cm above ground level
This encourages fresh growth and leads to lush foliage and an abundance of blooms later in the season
Group 3 Clematis examples: Clematis Jackmanii, Clematis Viticella, Clematis Samaritan Jo
🌼 Still Not Sure What Group Your Clematis Is In?
No worries! If you’re unsure which pruning group your clematis belongs to, or if you’re concerned that it’s not thriving the way it should, we’re here to help.
👉 Just drop us an email at info@thecotswoldplantcompany.com with a photo and a few details—we’ll be happy to offer personalised advice.
🌿 Final Tip: Prune with Confidence
Pruning clematis can feel a bit intimidating at first, but once you understand your plant’s group, the rest is easy. With the right cut at the right time, you’ll be rewarded with stronger, healthier growth and a stunning display of blooms year after year.