[Clondoolusk]

Hi, planted a clematis 'polish spirit' in a pot along a wall of my house last spring. Just wondering about pruning it, I'd say it spread about 3 ft high and wide last summer. I've read that a young clematis needs to be pruned back hard in year one? Any advice?

[Greengage]

This plant is a member of the viticella group of clematis, It is a late-flowering clematis, pruning is easy.just cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground level before growth begins in early spring. Late flowering clematis like these are also supposed to be resistant to clematis wilt and because they can be pruned back hard they can easily be trained through roses or small trees.

[Clondoolusk]

Thanks greengage, my plan was to trail these along the wall to a jasmine that I have previously planted, excuse my ignorance but I know I obviously have to prune it but in doing so and so hard will I ever achieve the spread I'm looking for? Maybe this particular climber might not suit what Im asking it to do.

[Greengage]

Theres no rule to say you have to prune it , you only prune to control growth, if you want to train it further along dont bother pruning let it go, it will be decidious and will probably be bare at the base but sure what harm.