Have you ever come across a clematis with long, stringy stems reaching into a towering tree with the glorious blooms gracing only the upper reaches of the tree? These clematis vines can only be admired from afar as the blooms are well above human height. This phenomenon can be avoided with some simple pruning in the early years of your vine.

Clematis I Am(R) Happy  in full bloom. photo credit: R. Robert

It doesn’t matter whether your specimen is in group 1, 2,3 or A, B, C; the pruning steps are all the same the first three years. This pruning procedure will prevent the long, stringy growth and encourage lower branching and flowering.

It doesn’t matter whether your specimen is in group 1, 2,3 or A, B, C; the pruning steps are all the same the first three years. photo credit: R. Robert

Year One: After planting your clematis two inches below the soil line, trim to 12 inches.

During year two, trim to 18 inches above the soil line. photo credit: R. Robert

Year Two: Trim to 18 inches tall.

Continue to trim to 18 inches during year three. photo credit: R. Robert

Year Three: Trim to 18 inches tall.

Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ in full bloom. photo credit: R. Maurer

After the first three years, follow the appropriate pruning technique for your type of clematis. This “early years” pruning technique will create a stunning floral display from top to bottom.