Clematis blooms can be gorgeous, and if you are currently basking in their glory, then there will be one question on your mind; how do I keep them flowering?
Well, let me help you out with some of my top tips, so you can enjoy your clematis for longer!
Without any further ado, lets jump into my top tips.
Deadheading
The best way to keep your clematis flowering is through deadheading.
Deadheading involves removing fading or spent blooms, allowing the plant to redirect its energy into new growth and more flowers. This practice will encourage your clematis vine to keep producing blooms.
To deadhead clematis:
- Wait for the flowers to wilt or fade.
- Use clean, sharp secateurs or scissors.
- Cut the flowers off just below their base, being careful not to damage the surrounding foliage or stems.
These razor-sharp long-nose snips are ideal for various jobs around the garden. I love using mine for pruning my tomato plants and harvesting them.
Pruning
While deadheading is just a form of pruning, I thought I would separate the two to show the distinction between these different methods.
Pruning clematis can be a little tougher than lots of other flowers, as different varieties require different pruning methods.
Clematis varieties are generally classified into three pruning groups depending on their flowering time and habit:
Group 1: Early-flowering varieties that bloom in spring (April-May). These need minimal pruning, as they flower on old wood.
- Prune in late spring after flowering.
- Remove dead or damaged stems.
- Lightly trim the remaining stems to maintain shape and size.
Group 2: Large-flowered varieties that bloom in early summer (May-June) and may have a second flush in late summer. They flower on new shoots that emerge from the previous year's wood.
- Prune in late winter or early spring.
- Remove dead or damaged stems.
- Shorten the remaining stems to the topmost pair of healthy buds.
Group 3: Late-flowering varieties that bloom from summer to early autumn (July-September). These flower on the current year's growth.
- Prune in late winter or early spring.
- Cut back the stems close to the ground, leaving about 30 cm (12 inches) of stem.
- New growth will emerge in spring, resulting in more blooms.
Pruning group two varieties will help to prolong their flowering period, you can also sometimes get a second flush out of group one if you prune them properly.
Keep Them Well Watered
Clematis loves to be kept well watered, it thrives when its roots are in cool, damp conditions.
As the well-known saying goes, roots in the shade - head in the sun.
By keeping your clematis well watered you will help to prolong its flowering period.
What you never want to do is let your plant dry out, clematises hate this!
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