Proper pruning of clematis ensures healthy growth, abundant flowering, and keeps the plant’s size manageable. For clematis in Group Two, the process focuses on maintaining a balance between old and new growth to maximize blooms.
Quick Facts
- Suitable for: Large-flowered clematis hybrids, flowering in May and June
- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring and again after the first flush of flowers in early summer
- Difficulty: Moderately easy
About Pruning Group Two Clematis
Clematis plants are categorized into three pruning groups based on their flowering time and growth habits. Group Two clematis produce large flowers in May and June on short shoots from the previous year’s growth. Many also offer a second flush of blooms in late summer on new growth.
Popular varieties in Group Two include:
- ‘Barbara Jackman’
- ‘Bees’ Jubilee’
- ‘Belle of Woking’
- ‘Doctor Ruppel’
- ‘Nelly Moser’ (AGM)
- ‘Snow Queen’
- ‘The President’ (AGM)
- ‘Rebecca’
- And many others
When to Prune Group Two Clematis
- Late winter or early spring (February):
- Focus on removing weak or dead stems and shaping the plant.
- After the first flush of flowers (early summer):
- Prune to encourage a second round of blooms later in the season.
How to Prune Group Two Clematis
Initial Pruning and Training (For Young Plants)
- When planting a young clematis, prune it hard in the first spring after planting.
- Cut stems back to about 30cm (1ft) above soil level, just above a strong pair of buds.
- This encourages multiple stems to grow, which can be trained to supports for better coverage.
- During spring and summer, tie new growth to supports, spacing stems evenly.
Pruning Established Plants
- Late Winter or Early Spring Pruning:
- Remove dead or weak stems. Start at the top of each stem and work down until you find a healthy pair of buds.
- Prune just above these buds to remove damaged or spindly growth.
- Avoid heavy pruning at this stage to preserve flowers for spring.
- Pruning After the First Flush of Flowers:
- Trim some stems back to large buds or a strong side shoot just below the blooms. This encourages a second wave of flowers later in the season.
- For overgrown plants, reduce top-heavy growth gradually over two to three years. Note: Hard pruning may sacrifice the second flush of flowers for that season but ensures better growth and blooms in the following years.
- Alternative Approach:
- Leave clematis unpruned for a few years, then hard prune to 30–90cm (1–3ft) above the base in late winter (as with Group Three pruning). Be aware that the first season after this renovation, the plant will only flower once.
Flexible Pruning for Dual-Purpose Varieties
Some clematis varieties that flower from mid- to late summer can be pruned as either Group Two or Group Three, depending on your preferences. Examples include:
- ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ (AGM)
- ‘Gipsy Queen’ (AGM)
- ‘Hagley Hybrid’
- ‘Rouge Cardinal’
- ‘Jackmanii’ (AGM)
Tips for Successful Pruning
- Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
- If in doubt, prune conservatively—over-pruning can reduce flowering.
- Regular pruning improves the overall structure, allowing for better light and airflow.
For detailed guidance on other clematis groups, explore pruning methods for Group One and Group Three.
Keep your clematis thriving and blooming beautifully with proper care and timely pruning!