SPACING | 36-48 IN. Propagation methods. Trim remaining stems back to a point just above the strongest, most visible buds. Left unpruned, any growth (and new flowers) will remain confined to the tops or ends of the vines. The faster a clematis grows, the more aggressive you can be with pruning. In late winter or early spring, prune all damaged or dead stems down to ground level. Avoid heavy pruning or flowers will be lost Pruning Group: Group 2 - Optional, light pruning after flowering. This pruning often will get you another period of blooming on new wood in late summer or early fall. HEIGHT | 6-8FT. This is a group that can be left unpruned during some years without much negative impact. ‘Piilu’ means little ducking, and these sweet blooms will endear you each season. Frilly in earliest blooms, but always charming. The proper time to prune clematis plants depends on whether the plant flowers on growth from the previous or current season. Apopka, FL 32712. Clematis.com What Plant Owners Need to Know About Clematis Wilt, Prune Early Spring-Blooming Clematis (Group 1), Prune Spring- and Summer-Blooming Clematis (Group 2), How to Prune Shrub Roses and Knock Out Roses, How to Prune Different Kinds of Hydrangeas, How to Prune Raspberry and Blackberry Plants, Shrubs That Bloom on Old Wood (Last Year's Growth), Shrubs That Bloom on New Wood (Current Year's Growth), Identifying What Type of Old Fashioned Hydrangea You're Growing, When to Prune Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs. Because these plants flower on old wood, you want to give them as much time as possible to develop for the next season. Treat slow-growers cautiously, pruning just enough to shape the plant to your liking. The goal is to make sure you don't prune in a manner that eliminates or reduces the flowers, which is the main reason people grow clematis. 3251 Ponkan Pines Rd. Then, after the first heavy blooming is complete, prune back to a pair of buds about halfway down the stems. New Garden Plants is your convenient online garden plants center. Clematis varieties that bloom on old wood should be pruned immediately after they are done flowering, which gives the plant plenty of time to grow new stems for next season. Growing them is fairly easy, but pruning clematis tends to instill fear in some gardeners. Then, after the first heavy blooming is complete, prune back to a pair of buds about halfway down the stems. Clematis plants, including climbing vines and spreading varieties, feature large, colorful flowers. Like many large-flowered garden species, clematis vines are usually pruned to encourage new growth and more flowers. You will often see photos of Little Duckling with double blooms. Once you know the tendencies of your plant, it will become clear which pruning strategy to employ. Deadhead to encourage more flowers later in the season. Bloom Diameter: Small/Medium - typically 4 inches. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. So in late winter or early spring, cut these plants down to about 2 feet from the ground. Clematis wilt, Slime flux. These stems form a framework around which new wood can grow. Grow with clematis ‘Grevf Erik Ruuth’ and ‘Proteus’ to create a sweet display of floral beauty. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Type: Kivistik Height: 3 to 4 feet Blooms: Summer Pruning: Full Prune Zone: 4. Little Duckling a.k.a. These plants typically die back to ground level in the winter, and any old plant material left in place creates a disheveled mess. Finally, a few large, established stems can be left in place, even for varieties that bloom only on new wood. The tone on tone shades of pink are one of a kind and a must for the collector. This group of clematis doesn’t require much pruning other than a little deadheading in summer, and removal of dead shoots in spring. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Exquisite, two-toned, pale pink and red-violet flowers with light purple-pink sepals. For pruning, clematis can be broken into three main groups: If you don’t know which pruning category your clematis falls into, watch the plant for a season to take note of when and how often it blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring: Remove dead or weak stems before growth begins. HEIGHT | 6-8FT. Without it the plants will get top-heavy and have fewer flowers. Varieties that bloom on new wood are best pruned when the plant is dormant—either in the late fall and winter or very early in the spring before new growth has begun. ‘Piilu’ blooms are a beautiful cut flower. Being an early flowering clematis with large blooms, Clematis ‘Piilu’ falls into Pruning Group Two. The late-flowering group produces flowers on the current season’s growth, which requires a different approach to pruning. 'Piilu' $19.99 Sold Out! PRUNING | GROUP 2. Trim all remaining stems to strong buds. HARDINESS | ZONE 4A-9B This generally means they should be pruned before the end of July. But when you prune them, do so as soon as they finish blooming in the spring. ‘Piilu’ blooms are a beautiful cut flower. Also, don't be afraid to ignore pruning duties until you've witnessed a season or two of growth. A Kivistik family introduction, clematis Little Duckling are perfect for display containers around the yard or can anchor a flower bed planted on a obelisk.