Prune Clematis

Question

I live in PNW (western WA) and bought an Apple Blossom clematis. It did not look too healthy. I planted it and I now see some flowers forming (near ground level) but there has been no vertical growth. It does not look good. And although I know this type of clematis requires little, if any, pruning, I am concerned about its condition. Can I cut it back now, or wait until after spring to stimulate growth?

Answer 1

Hold off pruning until early spring for most types or following bloom in others. While it should not hurt the vine, depending on the type you have, blooming may be delayed or skipped entirely the following season if cut back too early. It may just be in need of some fertilizing too, which should help give the plant a jump start with growing.