Re: Useful titles for threads Found Pruning Group 2 info on "Blue Ravine" Clematis vines interesting, but I need more specifics. How close can you cut back the vines. Helen Chestnut says down to bottom or second from the bottom of vines' plump buds. Or 1-2 ft above the base ? Confused as to when to prune, Too! Bonsai
you can prune them in the spring, but you only cut the jackmaii varieties back to the ground every year, you need to figure out what type of clematis you have before you prune it.
Thanx! James - It's a "Blue Ravine" Clematis, from UBC Botanical Gardens . That's why I posted here in the first place. There is a large tag without any Latin Names, whatsoever. I think its Summer-blooming because they said "May-June Blooming"
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0201/clematis_pruning.asp might be of some use to you, it was to me. Good luck.
Clematis 'Blue Ravine' was introduced to the horticultural trade through the UBC Botanical Garden Pant introduction scheme about 15 years ago. It has exceptioally large flowers, which can be a good blue, depending to some extent on the soil. The plant seems to have some weaknesses, one of which is a tendency to flower low on the flower stems. The plants are less vigorous than than cultivars such as 'The President' and for many of us have not proved to be long lived. Pruning should be in mid winter, February probably, when new growth is beginning to show. As this clematis is a spring bloomer, giving a good show in May in the Vancouver area, do not prune vigorously. A little pruning for shape is all that should be required. Good luck! Blue Ravine in full bloom is quite a sight!
