If you have recently added a beautiful clematis climber to your garden, you should consider whether you should cut back your clematis to keep it healthy and blooming.
The perennial (returning every year) clematis is part of the Ranunculaceae family and is a genus that comes in literally hundreds of varieties and colors. It is also a fast growing climbing plant. When cared for and grown, clematis is an easy climbing plant that will take your planting plan to the next level.
Whether you want privacy on a patio or a successful climbing plant in a pot, a beloved clematis will produce a galaxy of star-shaped flowers for years.
Should you kill a Clematis?
Clematis can be equally at home in a modern landscaping plan as it is in more traditional cottage garden ideas thanks to its cascading flower heads that burst with color.
But the heavenly flowers eventually bloom in a supernova, leaving behind a gloomy and chaotic canopy. That’s why we asked trusted garden experts whether you should cut off a clematis to keep the climbing plant in good condition.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Removing the head is not a critical aspect of clematis care, but is recommended for the benefits it brings to the plants,’ explains Martin Donnelly, a horticultural expert from LBS Horticulture.
‘For most clematis varieties, removing faded flowers is a great way to encourage the plant to produce more flowers while keeping your garden looking tidy,’ agrees Jamie Shipley, gardening expert and managing director of HEDGES DIRECT Ltd.
When should you deadhead a clematis?
Removing spent clematis flowers will keep the climber growing healthy and happy, but knowing when to die back a clematis plant depends on the type.
The month in which your clematis should be cut depends on the variety, which can be divided into 3 groups:
- Group 1 (Producing flowers on last year’s wood) – Deadhead and prune these early bloomers in mid to late spring once the flowers have faded
- Group 2 – (produce flowers on new shoots from last year’s growth) – Deadhead and prune after flowering in early summer
- Group 3 – (late flowering) – After flowering in the autumn, prune to death and then prune hard in February to the lowest buds to prevent tangled growth
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“Deadheading can help the plant produce new flowers and growth later in the season, but it also depends on the type of clematis you have,” says Martin.
Does a clematis bloom twice a year?
That’s right, clematis are not only an attractive addition to gardens once a year, but can also provide an encore and bloom again later in the season. This flowering pattern is known as ‘twice blooming’ and can be encouraged by killing the clematis plant when the first round of clematis flowers die. However, this does depend on the type of clematis.
‘Deadheading the early flowering varieties in group 2 will help encourage a second wave of flowering in early autumn,’ says Jamie.
‘If your clematis has flowers on shoots from last year’s growth, these may bloom a second time once they have finished blooming. Even if you don’t have this type of clematis, all varieties benefit from deadheading as it enhances their appearance and can aid in new growth.,’ continues Martijn.
(Image credit: Getty Images/grafxart8888)
Deadheading clematis offers many positive qualities for the plant, including the hopeful chance of a second bloom. If not, there will certainly be abundant flowering next year.
‘Removing dead flowers prevents your clematis from putting its precious energy reserves into seed production and instead focuses on producing new growth – which will result in longer and more vigorous blooms the following year. If your clematis are not pruned they can become tangled and straggly,” Jamie confirms.
‘To remove your clematis, take a sharp pair of pruning shears and make the pruning cut where the flower meets the stem. By making a clean cut with a sharp knife, the plant will heal faster and reduce the risk of disease,” Jamie advises.
What you need
Hanzapor garden gloves for women, 2 pairs
Gardening gloves are a must when deadheading to protect your hands
FloraBrite pink flower/fruit cut from Burgon & Ball
These neat cutting pliers are ideal for deadheading
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a clematis bloom?
Novice gardeners may not realize that clematis plants bloom at different times of the year depending on the type and variety. It is therefore technically possible to enjoy the spectacular Clematis blooms all year round if desired.
Why isn’t my clematis blooming?
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the most common reason for a clematis to have no flowers is the wrong growing conditions.
The far-reaching climbers need plenty of hydration, but well-drained soil. In addition, their roots like to be cool and shaded, but growth and flower production will be stunted if sun exposure is limited above ground
We hope for double flowering clematis in your garden this year!