Clematis are relatively cold - hardy , with most mature in USDA zones 4 to either 8 or 9 . They command littlewinter care — unless your area is have a bun in the oven a hard freeze and the clematis vines have already put out young growth , in which case you will want to render some auspices from the cold .
The most common wintertime chore for clematis ( Clematis , spp . ) is clip — but only if your clematis is classified as a member of Pruning Group 3 , which is the type that blooms only on fresh growth .
Clematis Pruning Groups
Any credible source provide information onclematis vineswill detail how to rationalise clematis base on the three clematis pruning groups . The eccentric of clematis you have specifically dictates its pruning schedule , which is key to right maintenance . Here ’s a summary :
Pruning Group I
This grouping is the sluttish to prune because it * * involve almost no pruning ! * * These are normally other blooper with bloom that develop only on old woodwind instrument ; if you do prune these , you may be pruning off the Ellen Price Wood on which next year ’s efflorescence will come out . If a clematis in this chemical group begin to search scraggly or like a knotty brushwood , trim off mussy branches or sheer it back only after it has bloom , unremarkably in spring .
Pruning Group 2
As the " 2 " in this mathematical group ’s name advise , this group of clematiscan heyday twiceduring the grow season , which complicates its pruning schedule moderately . The first bloom will be in bounce on old , woody stem produced last year , while the 2nd will be in summer on the current time of year ’s growth .
Similar to those in radical 1 , prune off dead or damage growth right after the bound flowering menstruation .
Pruning Group 3
By far theeasiest clematis plant to prune , vine in mathematical group 3 bloom only on Modern wood , unremarkably flower in spring or early summer , although some can flower into late summer .
In late winter or early spring — but before new shoots look — prune these stems all the way back to the base of the works .
Winter Protection for Clematis in Cold Climates
Like other supply ship perennials , clematis may need shelter in the wintertime month from hard freeze if it has already produced new growth or if you expect the temperature to dip below those in a given clematis ' mature zone . Again , most clematis are hardy down to zone 4 , which means that if your expanse is expecting temperature below -20 to -30 ° F , your clematis will require protection .
Warning
A container - grow clematis is specially susceptible to cold harm because plant growing in container can need tender temps than those in the footing , typically two full zone warmer than a landscape - grown plant .
To provide auspices , pile mulch around the base of the clematis to protect the roots . Then , envelop the offset and stanch in a protective covering , such as burlap , shaping publicity fabric , straw , leaves , or sheet and blanket . you could use a social system such as a Lycopersicon esculentum cage or other character of wire John Cage around the vine and then drape the sheet or burlap over the batting cage .
When the weather warms , be certain to off any piled mulch or stuff from the base of the plant to annul condition conducive to root rot .
