Yes, you can prune clematis, removing dead wood and directing growth. Clematis vines are pruned based on the kind of clematis you have. There are three groups. Knowing the variety you have is key to pruning it properly. There are those that bloom early in the spring, Group one, Group two, the larger flowering hybrids that can bloom in the spring and again during the summer, and group three that bloom later in the summer and early fall. After you know, which group yours fall into, you can prune accordingly. Group One – bloom on last year’s growth Group Two – bloom on last year’s growth in the spring and current wood later Group three – bloom on current year’s growth later in summer Plant tags that come with the plant will often have this information.
