How to Prune the Clematis Tangutica

Golden Tiara, also known as clematis tangutica, produces golden-yellow, bell-shaped flowers in late summer or early fall. The flowers bloom on the last 2 to 3 feet of vine. The flowers open to reveal crimson interiors. Before the flowers start to fade, attractive seedheads give the plant further appeal. The plant requires a severe pruning in order to produce new growth on which the striking flowers appear. The best time to prune occurs in early spring before the plant produces any new growth.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Pruning shears
• Gloves

1. Cut all vines from the previous year’s growth until just the main stems of the plant remain. The purpose of the pruning focuses on helping the plant produce the maximum number of flowers.
2. Remove all stems with the pruning shears until all that remains is a pair of strong buds about 6 to 8 inches from the ground. If your stem produces the strong buds further up the stem, make your cuts there. You do not need to leave any old wood on the plant in order for it to bloom during the upcoming growing season. The pruning makes the late-flowering plant much easier to train to drape over shrubs, trees, climbing roses or trellises. Since the plant gets cut back every year, it never gets too heavy to affect its support.
3. Sweep up the cuttings and dispose of them properly. Consider adding them to your compost pile if the plants did not get invaded by pests.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts on the plant. You can file your pruning shears yourself or hire a professional to make them sharp again.

• Always wear gardening gloves when pruning or handling your plants.

• You may end up removing some good buds and stems on your clematis tangutica, but don’t worry since the plant will produce more as the vine matures.