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Clematis query

melanie 568melanie 568 Posts: 57
in Plants
Hi Everyone,
I'm new around here so hoping you can help.

I have just moved into a new house and there is an archway into the back garden of clematis which is looking a bit unruly meaning you have to stoop to get through. Knowing very little about clematis, I'm not sure whether I should cut it back a bit now to get a better shape and heighten the arch a bit or will this damage it? Is it possible to identify by this pic?!

Thank you!
Mel


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Posts

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    edited April 2018
    Its a montana variety by the looks of it. It will flower very soon and after that is the ideal time to give it a good haircut. Although be careful to check that there are no nesting birds in there. 
  • melanie 568melanie 568 Posts: 57
    I don't think there are any, but I will double check, thank you for the advice Bijdezee.
  • Daisy33Daisy33 Posts: 1,031
    Who lived in a house like this? Must have been hobbits who owned it before. :D
    Can't identify it but I don't think you have any choice but to cut it right back unless you don't mind having your eye poked out every time you go through the arch. Perhaps try to use the cuttings in case the worst happens.
    More experienced gardeners views may vary though.
  • melanie 568melanie 568 Posts: 57
    Daisy33 - Haha! You might be right about the hobbits!

    It looks quite vigorous and established but I don't really want to damage it...equally, I would like to keep both of my eyes and it does feel quite dangerous walking under there at the moment!!
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    I agree with Bijdezee.  You can cut it back as hard as you like - they are very resilient.  Here's thread from last year which will help:
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/226755/overgrown-montana-clematis

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • melanie 568melanie 568 Posts: 57
    Thank you BobTheGardener. Very helpful 
  • Richard HodsonRichard Hodson Posts: 790
    It is a clematis montana, 4 weeks from now you will be overwhelmed at the beautiful mass of flowers and possibly a good scented form, too.   Then when it has finished flowering you can trim it back to the shape you want.   This waste material can be used as cuttings.
  • melanie 568melanie 568 Posts: 57
    Sounds great Richard. Thank you! I'll report back when it's in bloom  :)

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Hello Richard, just thought I'd let you know that the clematis mandchurica is going great guns and is now about 6" high!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Myosotis23Myosotis23 Posts: 69
    Is that a camellia in the background, it's beautiful.
    In a world where you can be anything, always be kind.
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