Types of clematis by pruning group
Clematis (*Clematis* spp. and hybrids) are among the most diverse flowering vines available in temperate gardens. Over 300 species and thousands of cultivars exist, ranging from compact 3-foot shrublets to 30-foot climbing vines. The most important fact about clematis is also the most commonly.
Clematis (Clematis spp. and hybrids) are among the most diverse flowering vines available in temperate gardens. Over 300 species and thousands of cultivars exist, ranging from compact 3-foot shrublets to 30-foot climbing vines. The most important fact about clematis is also the most commonly misunderstood: different clematis types require pruning at different times, on different schedules, for entirely different reasons.
Pruning a Group 1 clematis the same way as a Group 3 eliminates an entire year of flowers. This is the most common clematis failure in home gardens.
The three pruning groups
Group 1 (early-flowering on old wood)
Per Missouri Botanical Garden, Group 1 clematis bloom in early spring (March–May depending on zone) on stems produced the previous year. They are often small-flowered species types.
Pruning rule: Prune only immediately after bloom, to remove dead wood and shape. Never prune in fall or early spring — this removes the wood carrying this year's flower buds.
Key Group 1 species and cultivars:
- Clematis montana varieties: Vigorous to 30 feet; pink or white flowers; zones 6–9
- C. armandii: Evergreen; fragrant white flowers; zones 7–9
- C. alpina types: Small-flowered; nodding blooms; zones 3–9
- C. macropetala: Nodding, semi-double blue flowers; zones 3–9
Per NC State Extension, C. montana is too vigorous for most home landscapes and typically requires a large structure (a mature tree, a large pergola). It is not appropriate for a 4-foot garden trellis.
The pruners we use every day
The Felco F-2 is the gold standard — cuts up to 1-inch branches cleanly, every part replaceable, will outlast you. Read our full pick.
Group 2 (large-flowered early/repeat blooming hybrids)
Per Penn State Extension, Group 2 clematis produce the classic large, flat flowers (6–8 inches across) that most gardeners think of as "clematis." They bloom in spring on old wood from the previous year, and rebloom in summer on new growth.
Pruning rule: In early spring, cut back to the uppermost pair of strong, healthy buds. Remove dead and damaged wood only. Do not cut hard.
Key Group 2 cultivars:
| Cultivar | Color | Flower Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Nelly Moser' | Pink with deeper stripe | 7–8 in | Fades in direct sun; best in shade |
| 'The President' | Purple | 6–8 in | Classic; reliable; good repeat bloom |
| 'Henryi' | White | 7–8 in | Strong grower; reliable |
| 'Niobe' | Deep red | 5–6 in | Best red in the group |
| 'Vyvyan Pennell' | Lilac-blue, double spring bloom | 6–8 in | Double flowers in spring; single in summer |
| 'Doctor Ruppel' | Pink with red bar | 7 in | Strong repeat bloomer |
Per Clemson HGIC, Group 2 clematis are the most complex to prune correctly. The goal is to preserve old wood for the spring bloom while also encouraging new growth for the repeat bloom.
Group 3 (late-flowering on new wood)
Per Missouri Botanical Garden, Group 3 clematis bloom in summer and fall on the current season's new growth. Because all flowering occurs on new growth, the entire plant is cut back hard each spring.
Pruning rule: In early spring (February–March in zones 5–7), cut all stems back to 12 inches above the ground. This is the most definitive pruning instruction in ornamental horticulture.
Key Group 3 species and cultivars:
| Type/Cultivar | Color | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clematis viticella types | Purple, wine, pink | 10–15 ft | 'Polish Spirit', 'Venosa Violacea', 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' |
| C. terniflora | White | 15–20 ft | Invasive in some states; check before planting |
| 'Jackmanii' | Purple | 10–12 ft | The most famous clematis cultivar; vigorous |
| 'Perle d'Azur' | Light blue | 10–15 ft | Prolific; long bloom season |
| 'Ernest Markham' | Red-magenta | 8–12 ft | Strong summer bloomer |
| 'Etoile Violette' | Violet-purple | 12–15 ft | Extremely free-flowering |
| Clematis Integrifolia types | Blue; shrubby | 2–3 ft | Non-climbing; perennial border plant |
Per NC State Extension, 'Jackmanii' is the most widely sold clematis in the US and is often the first clematis a gardener buys. It is a Group 3 plant and must be cut back hard every spring.