Clematis grows too high - Ask Extension
Hi we have a lovely clematis plant that bloooms typically in June or early July. We cut back (stalks) back each year to about 15 inches above the gro...
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Clematis grows too high #791835
Asked May 20, 2022, 2:42 PM EDT
Hi we have a lovely clematis plant that bloooms typically in June or early July. We cut back (stalks) back each year to about 15 inches above the ground. Looking at the photo, the brick wall is 5 feet tall and our plant circle holder is 4 feet tall. The clematis overtops each of these and grows into the tree if we let it. Is there any way to “stunt” the growth? We do not water or fertilize. The brick was is 1 foot to the south of the plant.
Thanks for this service.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for your question, Robert. Unfortunately, the genes that came with the plant can't be changed by humans, so its size--height and width--are with it (and you) for good. Keeping it pruned will reduce its size, but only so long as it does what it's supposed to do--keep growing! You might want to research a variety that is smaller, since this species has a wide variation in these characteristics, but you'll have to remove yours. Here is an article about clematis, generally: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/clematis-climb-special-place-garden
Good luck!
Good luck!
