If you have recently added a beautiful clematis to your garden, you should consider whether it is necessary for your clematis to be dead in order for it to be healthy and thriving.
Part of the Ranunculaceae family, the perennial (coming back every year) clematis is a genus available in literally hundreds of species and colors. Also a fast growing creeper when cared for and grown, clematis is an easy creeper to elevate your planting scheme.
Whether you want patio privacy or a successful potted climber, the popular clematis will produce a galaxy of star-shaped flowers for years and years.
Should You Kill Clematis?
Clematis can look just as at home in a modern garden plan as they do in more traditional cottage garden ideas thanks to their cascading flower heads bursting with color.
But the sky-style flowers eventually supernova, leaving behind a gloomy and messy canopy. So we asked trusted garden experts if you should deadhead clematis to keep your climbing plant in good shape.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“Dieback is not a critical aspect of clematis care, but is recommended for the benefits it provides to the plants,” explains Martin Donnelly, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture.
“For most varieties of clematis, deadheading is a great way to encourage the plant to produce more flowers while keeping your garden tidy,” agrees Jamie Shipley – horticulturist and managing director of HEDGES DIRECT Ltd.
When should you kill clematis?
Removing spent clematis flowers will keep climbing growth healthy and happy, but knowing when to deadhead a clematis plant depends on its type.
The month until your clematis dies depends on the variety, which can be organized into 3 groups:
- Group 1 (produces flowers on last year’s wood) – deadhead and cut back these early bloomers in mid to late spring once the flowers have bloomed
- Group 2 – (produce flowers on new shoots from last year’s growth) – Dead and pruned after flowering in early summer
- Group 3 – (late bloomers) – Deadhead after flowering in autumn and then cut back hard to the lowest buds in February to prevent tangled growth
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“Deadback can help the plant produce new flowers and growth later in the season, but it also depends on the type of clematis you have,” says Martin.
Does clematis bloom twice a year?
That’s right, clematis not only make the garden attractive once a year, but can offer an addition and bloom again later in the season. This flower pattern is known as “double blooming” and can be encouraged by removing the heads of clematis plants when the first round of clematis flowers die back. However, this depends on the type of clematis.
“Removing the early flowering varieties in Group 2 will help encourage a second wave of flowering in early autumn,” says Jamie.
“If your clematis has flowers on the shoots from last year’s growth, they may rebloom a second time after dying back. Even if you don’t have this type of clematis, all varieties will benefit from deadheading as it softens their appearance and can help with new growth.,’ continues Martin.
(Image credit: Getty Images/grafxart8888)
A dead clematis offers many positives to the plant, including a hopeful chance for a second bloom. If not, then a rich flowering display will surely follow next year.
“Removing the dead flowers will prevent your clematis from pouring its precious energy reserves into seed production, focusing instead on producing new growth – resulting in longer, more vigorous blooms the following year. If your clematis is not trimmed, it will tangle and tangle freely,” confirms Jamie.
“To suffocate a clematis, take a pair of sharp pruning shears and cut where the flower meets the stem. A clean cut with a sharp blade will help the plant heal faster and reduce the risk of disease,” advises Jamie.
What you need
Hanzapor gardening gloves for women 2 pairs
Gardening gloves are a must when positioning your head to protect your hands
FloraBrite Pink Flower/Fruit Snip By Burgon & Ball
These neat scissors are ideal for removing corpses
Frequently asked questions
When does clematis bloom?
Beginner gardeners may not realize that clematis plants bloom at different times of the year depending on the type and variety. So it is technically possible to enjoy a spectacular show of Clematis flowers all year round if desired.
Why is my clematis not blooming?
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the most common reason for clematis not blooming is poor growing conditions.
Long-reaching climbers require plenty of hydration, but well-drained soil. Their roots also like cool and shade, but growth and flower production will be limited if above ground sun exposure is limited.
Here’s hoping for double blooming clematis in your garden this year!