Clematis 2 groups of pruning how to care. Clematis pruning groups. Characteristics of the group

To be honest, there is a lot of trouble with clematis, especially wintering. Before sheltering for the winter, vines must first be trimmed. But pruning for different types of clematis differs from each other both in timing and in form. Let's look at the clematis pruning groups and learn how to determine which one your clematis (another name for the flower) belongs to.

Clematis before pruning

Its shoots grow quickly and chaotically in any direction. They are unpredictable. Of course, you can guide them by tying them and supporting them with supports. But when it comes down to it, clematis decides where and how it will grow.

It's even worse with pruning. Here it is imperative to know which pruning group your clematis belongs to.

If you choose the wrong group, you can greatly shorten those that absolutely cannot be trimmed.

Conversely, some species simply require complete pruning, almost to the root, in order to regrow in the spring and bloom as profusely as you would not achieve without pruning.

Clematis after pruning

And all because different types clematis blooming or on shoots current year, or on the shoots of the previous year.

Therefore, they were divided into 3 groups:

  1. No pruning required.
  2. Weak pruning.
  3. Heavy pruning.

Pruning group 1: clematis, blooming in early spring

These are clematis that do not require pruning.

They bloom on old shoots and only in spring.

Don't take "don't cut" literally. Or rather, this type of clematis cannot be pruned in autumn or spring. At this time they are gaining strength to flower. in early spring. But in July, after flowering, you can carry out rejuvenating pruning by removing weak and dead branches, as well as non-lignified shoots.

This type includes the following types:

  • alpina group,
  • armandi group,
  • cirrhosa group,
  • Montana group,
  • macropetal family.

Pruning group 2: clematis, blooming twice - in spring and summer

These are clematis that require light pruning.

Flowering of this group usually occurs twice: in May-June on last year's shoots, and in July-August on the current year's shoots.

As soon as the first flowering has ended, new shoots begin to grow, which no longer bloom so abundantly and brightly. This is because the plant devoted all its energy to the first flowering and the formation of seed pods. Plus strength for new shoots, for the formation of new buds...

Therefore, immediately after the first flowering, usually in June, part of the old shoot is cut off along with the fruit. This will allow you to get a second flowering as abundant as the first.

And the second time they cut off all the shoots almost by half, leaving a bush 50-100 cm high from the ground. This can be done in the fall after flowering has passed on this year's shoots.

For the winter, it is better to cover the bush thoroughly.

Once every four to five years, the plant is heavily pruned. After it, of course, you will not get next year abundant flowering. But this will prevent the base from being exposed and increase bushiness.

The following types of clematis belong to this type:

  • lanuginosis group,
  • florida group,
  • some varieties of the patens group.

Pruning group 3: clematis, blooming from July to mid-September

This is a group that requires heavy pruning.

Most types of clematis belong to this type.

These are varieties that bloom on strong shoots of the current year, which grow very quickly and have large, bright flowers.

If the plant is not pruned, the shoots weaken, become thinner and their flowering is rare, small and not so bright.

Pruning here is very simple - in the fall you need to trim the entire plant, leaving shoots up to 20-50 cm long above the ground, leaving two or three pairs of buds.

Small bushes also require shelter for the winter, especially since this is much easier to do with clematis of this group. That is why they are most widespread among us.

The following groups of clematis fall under this type of pruning:

  • jacman group,
  • viticela group,
  • clematis varifolia,
  • Tangutik group,
  • texensis group,
  • clematis orientalis,
  • hybrid clematis.

If you do not know which group of clematis your species belongs to, focus on the flowering period.

In any case, don’t worry too much - all types and varieties can easily withstand heavy pruning, even if for some reason you didn’t guess the group. Just make a reliable shelter for the winter and don’t expect your pets to bloom in summer and autumn. But in a year you will get more lush and strong flowering. Now you will know exactly which pruning group your clematis belong to and how to treat them.

Pruning clematis by groups... A simplified pruning system has become increasingly used, according to which all species and varieties belong to one of the groups, depending on the characteristics of the formation of generative buds on the shoots of the previous or current year. If the packaging of the acquired species or variety indicates the clematis pruning group and winter hardiness zone, then there is no need to specify which group the plant should be classified in, since in this case there is already enough information to choose the right care program.

Pruning clematis promotes good branching and abundant flowering. Throughout the season, you can carry out sanitary pruning, regularly removing dried and broken shoots.

There are 3 ways (groups) of pruning clematis for the winter.

A (1) first trimming group(no trimming)
Clematis, which bloom only on old shoots in the spring, are not pruned at all, except for the forming one. If there is a need for this due to excessive growth, prune it after flowering at a height of at least 1 m. For the winter, cut out weak and non-lignified shoots. The first group includes clematis of the Patens (spreading) and Florida (flowery) groups.

B (2) second trimming group(light trim)
This group includes most large-flowered varieties (Lanuginosa, some varieties of the Patence and Florida groups), especially those that begin flowering on last year's shoots in May-June, and then repeat on this year's shoots. In plants aged 1 year, all shoots are pruned at a height of about 30 cm. In plants older than two years, all shoots are pruned at a height of 1.5 m. By maintaining long shoots (with light pruning), we get early and abundant flowering.

C (3) third trimming group(heavy pruning)
Pruning group 3 includes all varieties of the Jacqueman and Vititsella groups. These clematis bloom mainly on the shoots of the current year, so when autumn pruning you need to cut off the entire plant, leaving 2-3 nodes (20-50 cm) from the ground. If you save some of last year's strong shoots, they will bloom almost three weeks earlier compared to the current year's shoots, however, they need to be covered for the winter. Strongly growing clematis from the Tangutica Group are also pruned. blooming in summer, if necessary, limit their growth. Herbaceous clematis (Heracleifolia Group, Integrifolia Group) and varieties from the Texensis Group cut off all dead shoots immediately at the base, living ones 5-10 cm from the ground.

Clematis pruning and winter shelter

How to make clematis bloom from spring to late autumn? Sometimes it is difficult to remember which group a particular clematis belongs to, especially if there are many of them. In addition, traditional pruning involves flowering large quantity flowers at the same time. And the more flowers there are on a plant, the smaller they are. In this case, there may not be a second flowering; the plant spends a lot of energy on the first flowering, and even if it is poorly cared for (lack of watering, fertilizing, etc.). But you want clematis to bloom for as long as possible, preferably all summer and autumn. That's why experienced gardeners They prune their clematis differently, using combined pruning.

Combined pruning allows you to gradually rejuvenate clematis. The secret of the youth of the vine is simple: with combined pruning “to zero” you need to cut off branches older than three years, and then young shoots will come out of them. And younger stems are shortened in a gentle manner. The result is double, even triple flowering, which begins on the shoots of last year, that is, on those stems where less was cut, then flowers on young branches that were shortened almost to the ground take their place.

Below is a method for pruning clematis (expert advice), regardless of which group they belong to. They can be pruned in the fall in the same way: in three tiers. What does it mean. This means that several shoots (3-4) are cut at a height of about 1 m from the ground, a few more (also 3-4) at a height of 0.5 m from the ground, and a few more (also 3-4) at 2- 3 buds from the ground. All others are cut out completely. Then these abandoned vines are carefully laid on the ground and covered (usually with leaves or dry grass).

For short-pruned plants, dry hilling with mulch or plant soil is usually sufficient. Hilling is carried out to a height of 10-15 cm. After this, the plants are covered with a box and covered with peat, sawdust or dry leaves on top. It is advisable to cover the top of the box with plastic wrap, leaving holes for ventilation on the sides. In this form, clematis winter well.

Early in the spring you need to free them from the shelter and tie them to a support. Now, due to the fact that the vines were not pruned equally, but at different heights, they will not bloom at the same time. This means that the flowers will be larger, and they will be located not only at the top of the bush, but along its entire height.

After the first vines (the longest) have flowered (usually the beginning of June), they are cut to 2-3 buds from the ground and used for propagation (cut cuttings from them and root). The remaining vines continue to bloom, but the pruned ones begin to grow rapidly, and by the end of summer they bloom again. In the meantime, the next vines should be cut to the same height (2-3 buds from the ground) and again used for propagation, etc. This pruning can be done before August, but not later, otherwise the vines will not have time to grow before winter and become woody well.

In the end it turns out almost continuous flowering from spring to late autumn, the bush is regularly thinned out during the summer, does not thicken, feels great, so it blooms like this large flowers, which he is capable of. Of course, provided good care: watering, fertilizing, mulching, etc. And besides, many cuttings are obtained for propagation at the same time...

Vigorous clematis, such as mountain clematis (C. montana), can be grown on trees without pruning unless they become too bushy. If this happens, the plant should be renewed by severely cutting back the old stems to 0.5-1 m from the soil level at the end of winter (in areas with mild winters) or early spring. After this, as a rule, dormant buds on old, woody stems begin to awaken, and after a few years the plant blooms profusely again. As always with anti-aging pruning, you should feed and water the plants well.

Without pruning, most clematis form a tangled mass of shoots and bloom at the tops of bare, woody stems. Therefore, the goal of most pruning methods is to provide maximum surface coverage and produce flowers at a given height.

Pruning is also necessary when planting, but is often forgotten. Many clematis, especially those with large flowers, grow rapidly upward in the first year using only one stem. Therefore, when planting, you need to cut the stem to the lower pair of strong buds in order to further stimulate the formation of basal shoots. Shoots growing from these buds can be pinched to increase the number of shoots coming from the lower part of the plant; but usually this is not necessary. All clematis need this initial pruning.

They are usually planted at rest, in early spring, or during the period of active sap flow, in spring - early summer. Most clematis species have good branching ability and form dense bushy plants. To do this, plants must be trimmed when planting.

After the first year of growing season, it is advisable to prune very strongly, cutting off the shoots to the first bud above the soil surface. Such harsh pruning in the spring stimulates the growth of new shoots from dormant root buds.

Every year, everyone's favorite clematis becomes more and more numerous. New varieties are being developed in all countries of the world. The Baltic states, Poland, and Japan are famous for their new products. In this abundance you can find clematis for every taste; it is more difficult to choose the right plants for your climate zone...

When buying clematis in a store or online, many people don’t even think about the fact that they are often hidden under one name. different plants. They may even look very similar to each other, but they differ greatly in growing conditions and, accordingly, requirements for agricultural technology.

Don't let it freeze

Clematis such as Armanda (evergreen), mountain clematis and Peter clematis, which have a short period of winter dormancy, overwinter poorly in our 3rd and 4th zones and often die. In grape-leaved, oriental, stinging, and violet clematis, the shoots can only withstand up to -19°C, but in our climate this is often not enough. However, they are sold in supermarkets and at fairs. Many of them are suitable for winter gardens or glassed-in loggias, but they are of little use for growing in the garden.

But the shoots of clematis Viticella, woolly, Jackman, Virginian, serrate-leaved, glaucous, Isfahan, short-tailed, shrub lobed, Tangut can withstand temperatures from -25 to -27°C without damaging tissues and buds. Therefore, they are best suited for our climate.

One of our favorite clematis region - variety Ville de Lyon (3rd group)

Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful modern varieties, although they can winter in our climate, often die or do not fully demonstrate their advantages. This includes clematis of Japanese selection - incredibly beautiful salmon Little Mermaid (LittleMermaid), terry pink Kaen(Kaen), bright crimson Kakyo (Kakio), terry white-green Yukiokoshi (Yukiokoshi), purple violet-white Night Wheel(Night Veil), Utopia (Utopia), sky blue Fujimusume (Fujimusume) and many others. Some of them are more suitable for zone 5, and although they can grow here, they develop much more slowly than other varieties.

The varieties from the Florida group are even more capricious. And again, it’s a shame that this group contains some of the most fashionable and beautiful terry varieties. This Alba Plena (Alba Plena), Siebold(Sieboldii), Daniel Deronda(Daniel Deronda), Jackman Alba(Jackmanii Alba), Joan of Arc(Jeanne d'Arc), Mrs Cholmondeley(Mrs Cholmondeley), Proteus (Proteus), Baby. These clematis can be found in many areas. However, their flowering is often quite sparse, and there is a lot of hassle with preserving the shoots and shelter.

Should I give up these varieties? I think not, because sometimes a single flower can become the pearl of your garden. But don’t get too carried away with breeding them, especially since there are so many resistant and profusely flowering varieties that it’s dizzying.

Pay in order!

It is well known that clematis are divided into three groups according to the type of pruning. IN first group included clematis, which are not pruned at all, with the exception of broken, diseased branches that have frozen over the winter, or for the purpose of thinning out old plants. This group includes many small-flowered clematis, as well as plants of a completely different genus, Knyazhik, which we will discuss separately.

The second group includes clematis that did not fit the standard of the first and third groups. As a result, this group is quite diverse and therefore complex. They are usually cut to 1/2-1/3 height, leaving 1 or 1.5 meters escapes from the ground.

Clematis second group cuttings bloom profusely in the first half of summer on last year's surviving shoots, the flowers show all their splendor: brightness of color, size, doubleness. Many of them can bloom again on the shoots of the current year, but this flowering is not as abundant as the first and the flowers are often smaller in size. In addition, most double varieties already bloom again. simple flowers. In some varieties of this group, the second wave of flowering may not occur at all due to early cold weather.


Nelly Moser blooms well only on last year's shoots

Therefore, within the second group we can distinguish varieties that bloom profusely on overwintered shoots and weakly on young annual shoots. Usually their second flowering begins only in August, or even in September. I would carefully recommend purchasing these varieties: pink with a red stripe Captain Chuyo (CapitaineThuilleaux), very similar to him Nellie Moser (NellyMoser), white with yellow center Genzi Cream (GuernseyCream), white with pink stripe John PaulII (JanPawelII), lavender Lazurshtern (Lasurstern), semi-double snow-white Sylvia Denny (Sylvia Denny), hot pink with red stripe Dr. Ruppel (Doctor Ruppel), pink with red stripe Souvenir du Captain Tuyo(Souvenir du Capitaine Thuilleaux) and others. Therefore, if it is not possible to preserve shoots of such clematis, you should not contact this group.



Terry Multi Blue blooming on annual shoots


Among the clematis of the second group, one can distinguish a whole subgroup of varieties that bloom profusely on current shoots and weakly on overwintered ones. Suitable for these characteristics: blue Mrs Cholmondeley (MrsCholmondeley), light purple with a light stripe Anna German, bright red Westerplatte (Wester platte), terry blue Blue Light (BlueLight), white Dora (Dora), red Red Cardinal (RougeCardinal), snow-white Madame le Coultre (MadameLeCoultre). Even in some reference books they are classified either in the second or in the third pruning group. Their flowering begins in July. It makes sense to grow varieties of the second group in our climatic zone, without particularly worrying about the safety of last year’s shoots.




IN third group included all varieties and species that are pruned almost at the root every year - to a height of only 10-15 cm. These are clematis of the Jackman, Vititsella, Integrifolia and others groups. By the way, they are often the ones that develop and bloom best in our region. And it is these that our gardeners name among their favorites when surveyed. This is a popular hot pink Ville de Lyon (VilledeLyon), bright red Ernest Markham (Ernest Markham), light blue Prince Charles (Prince Charles), dark purple Jackman(Jackmanii), light pink Hegley Hybrid (Hagley Hybrid), pink Countess de Bouchot (Comtesse de Bouchaud), bright red Cardinal Wyszynski (Kardynał Wyszyński), dark purple Star of India(Star of India), very strong purple Spirit of Poland (Polish Spirit), bicolor purple and red Ashwa (Ashva), pink with red stripe Krakowiak (Krakowiak). There are also terry varieties among this group - this is lilac Mazuri (Mazury) and burgundy Purpurea Plena Elegance (Purpurea Plena Elegans).

The most suitable clematis for our climate are varieties of the 3rd pruning group










They love the third group of clematis for their stable and abundant flowering and ease of growing. You can find varieties in this group with any color and flower shape. The only thing is that there are not so many pure white clematis of the 3rd pruning group. This John Huxtable (John Huxtable), Huldine (Huldine) And Roko-Colla (Roko-Kolla).

Clematis of the first pruning group are one of the most unpretentious plants regarding haircuts. Caring for them is a pleasure: plant them, install a support and water and tie them up from time to time, but there is no need to constantly jump around the bush with pruning shears.

Characteristics of the group

The fact is that such clematis bloom only on last year’s branches, so pruning is not a vital activity for them; moreover, excessive pruning can harm the vine, delaying its flowering for a year. It is enough to simply remove the part of the vine that has faded immediately after flowering.

Naturally, when growing such varieties, it is worth taking into account the age of the plant. If necessary, the bushes must be rejuvenated, because if they are too thick, this will affect the quality of flowering.

Rejuvenation is carried out in the summer, completely cutting out the old branches approximately every two years.

It is impossible to describe the varieties of the group in one word; among them there are both very large species and quite suitable shrubs for home grown. However, all of them are characterized by abundant flowering: a huge number of buds “sit” close to each other, creating a spectacular colorful wall. Although clematis will not surprise you with its special size of inflorescences, such a large number of flowers makes you forget about their size.

Today we want to bring to your attention the most popular and most beautiful varieties from the first trimming group. So, let's begin.

Clematis mountain pink

One of the most tall species is clematis mountain pink or Montana (as it is also called). It grows on average up to 8 m in height, and in the southern regions the lashes can stretch up to 12 m. Along the entire length of the shoots there are opposite dark green leaves, the length of which does not exceed 10 cm.

From May to July, the bush is literally strewn with not very large, up to 5 cm in diameter, white-pink inflorescences with a subtle vanilla aroma. They have only 4 petals, but they are very wide; they can be either single or collected in small groups of 3 to 5 buds. At first the inflorescences are rich in color, but gradually they fade and become lighter.

After the end of flowering in the current season, you need to slightly shorten the vines.

A lot of plants have been created based on mountain pink clematis. hybrid varieties, among them the most popular are:


The variety has low frost resistance. When the temperature drops below 20 degrees below zero, shoots and flower buds freeze, so most often mountain pink clematis grown in the southern regions.

Clematis of the Atragene group

One of the simple but charming clematis of the first pruning group is the clematis of the Atragene group. They are classified as a separate genus and are very popular among gardeners due to their ease of cultivation and modest size of the vine, for which they even received the affectionate nickname “princelings.”

Clematis of the Atragene group are characterized by the following characteristics:

  • early and abundant, but short flowering;
  • ability to grow in the shade;
  • high resistance to diseases and low temperatures;
  • minimal care (no pruning, no removal of shoots and shelter for the winter);
  • decorative appearance after flowering due to beautiful seed pods;
  • all varieties are good honey plants.

The parents for most varieties of the Atragene group are two plant species: alpine clematis and grandiflora clematis.

The following varieties can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful representatives of Atragena clematis:

  • Markhams Mink;
  • Franks;
  • Jutta;
  • Pink Flamingo;
  • Betina;
  • White Swan;
  • Cecil;
  • Ballet Skirt.

Clematis Markhams Mink

A compact bush no more than 3 m high blooms early, in April, and until early June decorates the area with small but very beautiful semi-double purple inflorescences.

The liana can also be grown without support, as a ground cover plant.

Clematis Franki

A small bush, only 2 m high, looks good both without support in the form of a vine creeping along the ground, and against a wall on which it climbs. Characterized by repeated flowering:

  • the first wave of buds appears from April to May;
  • the second flowering occurs in July and lasts until the end of summer.

Small inflorescences look like wide-open bells, often semi-double, painted bright blue.

Clematis Jutta

The liana can grow up to 3 m in height and weaves well. It blooms once, somewhat later than most varieties of this group - at the end of May. The inflorescences are quite large for representatives of Atragena, reaching a diameter of 6 cm, red-purple in color, the outer petals are wide open, and the middle is semi-closed and slightly lighter at the base of the petals.

Clematis Pink Flamingo (Flamango)

One of the most beautiful and delicate clematis Atragene, distinguished long flowering: small buds cover the bush from the end of April to the end of August, blooming almost without interruption, and only in June does clematis rest a little between flowering. The inflorescences are small, but simply lovely: always semi-double, they are colored pink color, while the base of the petals is a couple of shades darker, and the tips are almost white. The height of the bush itself does not exceed 2 m.

Clematis Betina

Another variety with long flowering: a low vine no more than 2 m in height at the end of April is covered with small but elegant bell inflorescences burgundy color with wide petals. Flowering lasts until the end of summer, and already from July, decorative fluffy fruits are formed in place of the buds. The buds look very beautiful against the background of dark green foliage. Leaf plate has a dense and wrinkled structure.

Clematis White Swan

The Polish variety fully lives up to its name: the rather large (up to 7 cm in diameter) double inflorescences really look like white swans, and the thin petals resemble airy plumage. The bush grows up to 3 m in height and climbs well. Flowering begins already in April, but fades away by the end of May, but instead of buds, the vine has light fruits, also with fluff.

Clematis Cecil

The liana can rise up to 3 m in height, weaves well along a support or simply spreads along the ground. Flowering early, April-May. The inflorescences themselves are small, but very beautiful: semi-double, wide-open, violet-blue, they almost completely hide the foliage underneath, turning the bush into a living flowering wall.

Clematis Ballet Skirt (Skert)

One of the most compact varieties groups grows on average about 1.5 m in height; in a sunny place it can stretch up another 0.5 m, but no more. Characterized by double flowering:

  • the first, most abundant wave - in April-May;
  • the second, small in number - in August.

The inflorescences are very beautiful: semi-double, with thin long petals, in the shape of half-opened bells, they are colored pink, and yellow stamens peek out from inside the flower.

The name of the variety translates as “ballerina’s tutu.”

Clematis of the Armanda group

Among the clematis of the first group of pruning, there are species that can rarely be found in our area, since they are particularly thermophilic and capricious in nature - these are Armand's clematis. However, this does not stop real fans, and they happily grow flowering vines in their plots. True, this is possible mainly in warm regions and with the condition of good shelter for the winter.

These varieties feel best in winter gardens.

All representatives of Armanda are characterized by the following characteristics:

  • the vines are evergreen, the leaves are dark and hard;
  • vigorous bushes grow quite tall - from 5 to 9 m;
  • early and abundant flowering;
  • the inflorescences emit a faint odor reminiscent of a cross between the aroma of honeysuckle and black elderberry;
  • winter hardiness is low (critical temperature for the plant is 12 degrees below zero);
  • fragile shoots are difficult to cover;
  • The bright midday sun is poorly tolerated by the vine.

Gardeners who are prepared for possible difficulties in caring for Armand clematis most often grow the Apple Blossom and Snowdrift varieties.

Clematis Apple Blossom

The liana can grow up to 6 m in height. It blooms very early, already at the end of March, but it decorates the garden until June. The inflorescences are small, somewhat similar to jasmine flowers, with a slight sweetish aroma, painted in a soft pink color, with yellow stamens.

Clematis Snowdrift

The shrub, 3 to 5 m high, is very decorative: against the background of dark green foliage, small pristine white inflorescences with a diameter of no more than 6 cm look beautiful. They bloom in March, but flowering ends at the end of May.

These are not all clematis from the first pruning group, and today you got acquainted with the description of some of them. Their list can be continued for a very long time. Delicate light color, saturated bright colors- look, admire and choose a colorful, abundantly flowering vine to suit your taste!