clematis cirrhosa, too big, too tall

berarde · January 2021

I have this cirrhosa in for probably 15 years. It has become too vigorous. I cut it down to about 10 feet 2 years ago and leave the top half behind, but within a couple of seasons it was again up to the eaves. It is some3 feet wide quite a thicket and makes access to the garden through the gate difficult.

In height terms I can manage sort of 15 feet, but then the ladders have to be on steps, so one side needs propping up and it now seems more than I want to do.
I decided to dig it out and replace with something else, so I first cut it down to below the mesh support as it is too entangled in it, and was then going to dig it out, but I have wondered if I could do something to reduce its vigour: it is cut to about 5 feet at the moment, but I wondered if I could do something like chop half the roots out and leave it to start again. I think I should have planted it nearer the wall, so maybe I could then replant it nearer to the wall ? I suppose give a try and if it dies at least I gave it some sort of chance!

Loxley · January 2021

You can cut the whole lot down to the base every 3 years (after flowering). That'll help avoid the buildup of tangled woody growth you get with these sorts of clematis as well. In between hard prunings, you can keep it cut it back to about 10 feet or whatever height you are comfortable with, and prune out older stems; do it yearly rather than let it get away from you.

Obelixx · January 2021

Do it in early spring once flowering finishes and give it a good feed to keep it healthy. And train the new growth in to a framework so it doesn't sprawl out into the pathway.

clematis cirrhosa, too big, too tall

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