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Clematis group 2 pruning question

mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
in Problem solving
I have an established group 2 clematis - Bernadine, that has grown up a trellis.

My problem is that whilst most of it has grown up the trellis at my garden side, some of it has grown through and up the other side, so passers by get the benefit of some of its beautiful flowers, and I have a bald patch at the top right of the garden side.

How can I get all of it to grow up the garden side please?  Can I cut back the stems that have grown through the other side so that in future they will grow up the garden side?  If so, when should I do this please?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - you can prune it back, and train the new growth back onto your side again  :)
    It's best to wait until it's finished flowering, and although it means you won't get the 2nd flush of flowers they normally have, it doesnt matter, it'll flower as normal next year. Take them back far enough to allow you to tie them in as well as possible. If you can get some tied horizontally as well, that will also give you more coverage on your side. A few wires on vine eyes will do the job. I've just added more to mine for exactly that purpose.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
    Thank you.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I had a look at it mmsj - it seems it's one of the small ones, so that should make it easier to get it all onto your side. 
    You can cut Group 2s right back like a Group3 too, which might make it easier for you to tie in better, but it depends on how it looks just now, and what you prefer to do.  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
    Hi Fairygirl.  Yes, I bought it because it would not grow too high and 'overgrow' the trellis, so cutting it back might not be too difficult, as you say.  Thanks again.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    In theory, group 2s flower in May-June on old wood and then again on new stems in late summer, hence the advice to prune lightly after their first flush.  However, my last garden was so cold in winter all the top growth froze to death so I have always treated them as group 3s and pruned back low in March.

    A good feed at pruning time and then a good, deep drink in dry spells and they produce healthy new stems without bare legs and are easily trained where you want them to grow.  They will flower in July, so a bit later, but if you dead head they'll just carry on all summer until you decide you want to leave them and then enjoy the lovely fluffy, silky seed heads they produce.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • mmsj496mmsj496 Posts: 70
    Thank you - I love my Bernadine.  It's first flush flowers are just starting to turn.  I will then dead-head them and prune after the second flush at the end of summer.

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