Clematis, very old and woody-help!

Potty Lotty · March 2016

As described, we have a very old and woody clematis at the bottom of the garden which is north and slightly easterly. It looks like it has not been pruned back for a long time and I have included a picture so you can see. I wondered how much I can prune it back without harming it? It did not have many flowers last summer (our first here) and wanted to give it a new lease of life if possible? Any thoughts folks? Potty Lotty.

Potty Lotty · March 2016

P.s. It stands about 5 foot tall arching over a very old and rickety panel with the stems about the width of 2 thumbs or more, near the ground! Or maybe thicker!

Fairygirl · March 2016

Do you know what type it is Potty? That will help with the correct advice

It looks like it could be a montana, which flower in spring, you'll get a bit more growth soon and buds forming if it is. You get a show of flowers ( pink or white) around April/early May, and a flush later on in late summer/early autumn.

These are not normally pruned unless it's for necessity, and you can do that after flowering in early summer. You can prune them anytime really, but you'll just lose the next flush of flowers.

Potty Lotty · March 2016

Thank you so much and yes I think it is Montana, it is so old that I am reluctant to do much but will watch it carefully and do as you say. Thank you again. PL

Fairygirl · March 2016

They're pretty tough and will take a fair bit of hacking back without any real problems, but if you want to be cautious, you can take it back a good bit in summer to get on top of it, and give it a feed, water and mulch . You can do the same later on in autumn so that you can re train it where you want it, or do any maintenance to your fence etc. The only drawback is that you'll lose flowers for a while, but the plant will be rejuvenated

They do get quite rampant once they find their feet!

Clematis, very old and woody-help!

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