The following pruning methods are for clematis 3 years old and older:

Group I or A:

No pruning required. This group is the early flowering species that produce blooms on previous year's growth ('old wood'). If pruning is needed to remove dead and unsightly foliage, prune right after flowering (within a month of flowering). This allows the vine to make new growth that produces next year's flowers.

Group II or B:

This group includes the early, large flowered cultivars that bloom in the spring and again in the fall. They bloom on previous year's growth (actually on short shoots from 'old wood' [the previous years growth]) and should not be pruned except for deadwood. It is best to wait until late spring to see if the vines are indeed dead before pruning since new sprouts can emerge from some very dead looking vines. The number of later flowers can be increased if the seed heads from the first flowering are removed right after the blooms drop their tepals.

Group III or C:

This group is the late blooming species and cultivars. These plants bloom on new wood and should be pruned back severely every year in late winter to about 12 inches of soil level.

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