Joe Devlin asked 14 years ago
I read some advice on this site you gave about an old Clematis, but I have an old one (around 14 years old) that flowers in June which has become very wild. It’s lost all it’s leaves for winter, but is starting to bud and I want to cut it right back.The problem is it’s extremely woody (looks like it’s splintered) at the base, so where should I cut? Should I find the closest spot between newer and woodier growth, or should I remove it all and start again?
1 Answers
Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
An old clematis can be cut back as hard as you like in late winter or early spring. Even if you cut to ground level, it will sprout from below soil where there are dormant buds.
Watch for snails and slugs feeding on the emerging new shoots.
