How to winter-prune clematis

Group 3 clematis, which flower in late summer, require regular pruning. This is because the flowers grow on the current year's growth. If you don''t prune, you'll end up with a tangled mess of old and new growth, with flowers appearing only on some of the plant. Pruning is carried out in late winter, just as buds are starting to emerge.

Pruning Group 3 includes the Clematis viticella hybrids and Clematis texensis, as well as the lovely variety 'Bill MacKenzie'. Clematis that flower in spring or early summer are classified in Groups 1 and 2.

Winter-pruning clematis simply involves cutting back all stems to 30cm above ground. Growth can be quite rapid once the soil starts to warm and day temperatures rise, so keep on top of tying in new shoots.

You will need:

The right tool is essential for this task - for more information read our guide to tools for pruning. If you're looking to update your kit, our experts have been busy testing the best secateurs, so you can buy with confidence.

In a hurry? Here are the best buys from this test:

• Darlac Expert Bypass DP1030A
• Burgon and Ball Left Handed Bypass
• Niwaki GR Pro
• Felco 8 Bypass Secateurs

Follow our guide to winter-pruning clematis, below.

You Will Need

• Secateurs

Step 1

Untangle the mass of last year's growth from its support, cutting through any strings and removing ties that have been used for training. Lay the top growth on the ground.

Step 2

Roughly chop off the top growth, initially leaving the stems around 50cm long. Take care not to damage any developing buds or shoots. Cut up the prunings for compost.

Step 3

With the bulk of the growth out of the way, use the tips of your secateurs to cut back to a second or third node or pair of buds above ground level. Cut 3-5mm above the buds or node.

Group 3 clematis to grow

• Clematis viticella ‘Confetti’ – delicate pink flowers in July and September. Reaches a height of 2m

• Clematis ‘Pearl d’Azure’ – a popular old variety with sky blue flowers in July to September. Height 3m

• Clematis tangutica ‘Bill MacKenzie’ – small, bell-shaped yellow flowers in late summer followed by stunning fluffy seedheads. Height 4m

• Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ – two toned light and dark pink flowers from June to September. Height 3.5m

• Clematis ‘Gypsy Queen’ – large bright blue/purple flowers from August to October. Height 3m