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Large clematis out of control

LandyGirlLandyGirl Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi all

I planted clematis Bill Mackenzie about three years ago..big mistake as the area is far too  small and it has extended itself further in a couple of places.. it devours roses it is next to.. it is lovely climber but so vigorous...much as though I do not want to .. I am wondering if I can kill it [without hurting any thing else] or in some way.. thin it.. thanks
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Posts

  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    And welcome to our forum. You say you planted that clematis, but you don't mention where you bought it from? Didn't it have a label mentioning the well-known characteristics of clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' as found e.g. on the RHS site, viz.
    • Size Ultimate height 4–8 metres
    • Time to ultimate height 2–5 years
    • Ultimate spread 2.5–4 metres ?
    Don't worry, we all make mistakes... I'm sure someone will suggest ways of killing that beauty, although it's a pity.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can prune it back quite easily @LandyGirl - it's a Group 3 so you would do that around late winter/early spring  :)

    Here's a link which will give you more details 
    https://www.clematisinternational.com/growing.html
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Cut it down around February to about 4 - 6 inches. It flowers on new growth. You can keep it trimmed but it will flower less.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Agree a huge haircut is required  to maintain this beauty.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited January 2023
    A good cut-back should slow it down.. Repeated often, would kill it.  Pulling rather than cutting would be better.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    You can't pull clematis, stems are tougher than they look. It's a Group 3 so needs cutting down every year, late winter, won't kill it.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Wasn't the question about killing?  I meant a good heave, as much root as possible.  Maybe a good idea to wear protective gloves.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It doesn't need killing.  It needs controlling and that will happen if the OP adopts the standard pruning regime for this kind of clematis, that is to say hard prune in late winter/early spring.

    https://clematisontheweb.org/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=439 
    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
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I agree with @Obelixx Correct yearly pruning is the answer no need to kill it off.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree too - it's no problem if the correct pruning is used. The natural habit of Clematis  is to scramble through other shrubs etc, especially the bigger, or more vigorous varieties, but it might be that you also need to have more supports for it, depending on where and how you're growing it @LandyGirl. Fence/wall/shed etc. That can help with directing it to a better area. 
    However, it's also possible to move it if the space isn't that suitable for it. What size is the space you have? 
    If you have a photo of the general area, that will also help  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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