Pruning Clematis at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Gardeners often dread pruning clematis, fearing that it is complicated and confusing. Any pruning should be made according to the three categories which are based on the age of the growth on which the flowers are produced.

An alpine clematis (Clematis alpina) now climbs up the rock face on a diagonal; a perfect clump of broom (Cytisus x praecox 'Luteus') flows over the edge at the far right of the semicircle; and some smaller Japanese hosta (Hosta Nakaiana) grows along the outside base, sheltered from the afternoon sun.

Pruning.—Earliest horticultural writing shows that the pruning of fruit plants has long been practiced. It is based on the principle that flowers are produced on new growth, which pruning and soil management are designed to stimulate. Pruning removes old wood which has fruited previously or is not satisfactorily situated for this purpose. By removing the nonfruiting surface it is possible to increase the supply of water and nutrients available to the remaining portion, and to achieve a more favorable relation between root and top growth. These results in turn improve the size, color and quality of the fruit.