Clematis vines climb trellises or anything else that they can wind their tendrils around. There are three main types of clematis — early-flowering, large-flowering and late-flowering varieties. While all three bloom profusely, they flower at different times. Early- and late-flowering types bloom only once a year, in spring or fall, so they don’t require deadheading. Large-flowering clematis blooms in early summer but can provide a second period of blooms in fall if the vines are deadheaded. Removing the spent flowers halts seed production and encourages these vines to flower and set seed a second time.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
things you’ll need:
- Pruning shears
- Fertilizer
- Locate a wilted flower on the clematis vine. Follow the stem to the second or third node from the flower. Nodes are small bumps or buds where new leaves later grow.
- Cut off the old flower 1/4 inch in front of the second or third node. Make a clean cut using sharp pruning shears. Repeat for each flower that needs to be removed.
- Collect the removed flowers from the clematis bed. Dispose of or compost them. Leaving dead plant matter at the base of the vine provides bedding for unwanted insects.
- Water the clematis thoroughly after deadheading, moistening the top 6 inches of soil. Fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer, applied at the rate recommended on the packaging for your bed size. Prompt feeding and watering help encourage new flower bud formation.
Tips & Warnings
-
The vines don’t require a deadheading after they bloom for the second time in fall; instead, cut the entire vine back to a 12- to 18-inch height.
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