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Clematis pruning

exappQ-f-iQ_9exappQ-f-iQ_9 Posts: 2
in Problem solving
My clematis is growing over a pergola structure which is in need of attention at the crossovers.  Owing to the age of the plant (15years plus)the main stems are bare of growth which only now appears at the top of the structure. Can I prune back all of the current growth without killing it?

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Do you know which sort of clematis it is?  A photo would help of you don't know.  However, most clematis will come back from the root crown if you cut them to the ground, although it is always a risk.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • exappQ-f-iQ_9exappQ-f-iQ_9 Posts: 2
    I think it is Montana, hopefully the attached photos will help
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It certainly looks like its hungry and needs some TLC.   I would give it a couple of bucketfuls of water poured slowly so it soaks into the ground and then, the following day, give it another bucketful of water laced with tomato feed and then pile a good mulch of well rotted manure round the base to encourage new stems to grow.

    Then you can cut back as much as you need to repair the pergola.    Keep it watered in dry spells and keep an eye out for new stems appearing but be aware that you may have to wait till spring and it may not come back at all.

    If it does, train the new stems as they appear rather than letting them get into an unruly tangle.  Once it does cover the pergola again keep it trained and tidied, cutting back any wayward growth once flowering finishes in spring.
    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
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