I am wondering how I should prune my new Clematis Montana Elizabeth (planted in May 2023). I know group 1 Clematis don’t necessarily need to be pruned, and they should only be pruned after they finish flowering, but I read on some sites newly planted should be pruned down to about 30cm in their first spring to encourage more growth from the base.
It has already grown about 12 feet since I planted it last year, but there are only 3 stems coming out of the ground. I am wondering how/if I should proceed with pruning here.
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners about the growth of your Montana Elizabeth clematis. Questions about clematis care and pruning are popular on our TMG website and below are previous answers:
Controlling growth on clematis
Below are two Royal Horticultural links about pruning clematis in Group 1 and the attributes of Clematis montana var. rubens ‘Elizabeth’. This clematis is vigorous climber and tends to get large overtime. Your 12 foot specimen is being true to form!