I have four clematis vines growing on a trellis and tree in my back yard. I am in Zone 4. They are doing much better than I expected, and have outgrown the trellis and become terribly tangled. What can I do to thin these out a bit? Where can I cut them and when? They are three years old. Any advice would be helpful!
Thanks!
2006-07-13 20:16:34 · 2 answers · asked by doldaggabuzzbuzz 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Manson Freak, thank you very, very much! And thank you especially for the drawing! That was incredibly helpful. By the way... I *love* your screen name!!
DollDaggaBuzzBuzz...
2006-07-13 21:02:43 · update #1
Thank you, Gammadave! I slapped that right into my 'Favorites'! I'm very fond of my clematis myself... I'd like to plant them all around my fenced yard. A clematis fence!
The thing about mine is that for a time, they didn't want to climb the tree *above* the trellis. So, they got more and more tangled around each other before finally grasping hold of the tree. Now, they can climb all they want! So, there is a nasty clump of them at the top of the trellis that I would like to thin out a bit.
Thank you so very much!
2006-07-14 10:57:05 · update #2
It is hard to kill them unless you use a weedkiller..so don't worry about trimming them back....cut them at the new growth just at the vining runners...It is ok if you cut some buds.They are a semi hardy palnt and will grow back fairly quickly.So keep them trimmed as much as possible but not too much near the plant itself
here is a picture i drew for you.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/lady_prowless/3647484clematis.jpg
hope this helps.
2006-07-13 20:26:41 · answer #1 · answered by **BLu Tinkerbell** 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i love these plants im in zone 4/ 5
instead of cutting the plants....next season try extending the height of the trellis
some of these plants grow over 20 feet tall
this website rocks
2006-07-14 10:03:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋