Caring for Your Clematis Vines in the Fall

Fall is a transitional time in the garden when some plants are going dormant while others are still actively growing. Clematis vines are no exception. With their beautiful flowers and versatility for growing on trellises, fences and arbors clematis are a popular choice in many gardens. But caring for clematis properly in the fall ensures next year’s flowers will be abundant.

Fall Pruning Clematis

Pruning clematis in the fall can be a controversial subject among gardeners Some clematis species bloom on old wood, meaning the previous season’s growth. Pruning these plants in fall removes the flowering wood. But other species bloom on new wood and should be cut back in fall.

The key is to know what type of clematis you have:

• Early spring bloomers that flower on old wood should only be pruned after flowering in spring. Pruning in fall removes the wood that will bloom next year.

• Repeat bloomers that flower in spring and summer on old and new wood can be pruned in fall. Cut out dead or damaged stems and prune remaining stems back by about one-third to shape and thin the vine.

• Late summer and fall bloomers that flower on new wood should be cut back in fall after a killing frost. Pruning in early spring is another option but ragged foliage will remain over winter.

I made the mistake of pruning all my clematis in the fall one year and had bare vines the next spring. Now I carefully observe when each plant blooms during the season and prune accordingly. Patience pays off with more flowers.

Fall Feeding Clematis

While spring is the best time to fertilize clematis with a balanced fertilizer, giving them a nutrient boost in fall can encourage strong root development. I apply a low nitrogen, high phosphorous formula in early fall. The phosphorous aids in root growth while minimal nitrogen prevents late season foliage growth that is prone to winter damage.

Work the fertilizer into the soil around the base of each plant, being careful not to damage the shallow roots. Water thoroughly after feeding to help move the nutrients down into the root zone.

Fall Pruning of Clematis Vines

In addition to pruning the vines themselves in fall, it’s important to trim back their supports. I like to grow my clematis on attractive trellises and arbors. But leaving the vines attached all winter puts extra strain on the plants as the supports shift and sway in winter winds.

Once the vines start going dormant, I carefully untie them from their supports and coil them at the base of each plant. Then I take down the trellises and arbors or trim back anchored portions like fence tops.

Before the ground freezes, I mulch around each clematis plant with shredded leaves or bark chips to insulate the roots and prevent heaving during freeze-thaw cycles.

Storing Clematis Tubes and Vines

In areas with very cold winters, large leafed clematis varieties can benefit from extra protection. I grow ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Roguchi’ clematis which have leaves that shrivel during hard freezes.

To prevent damage, I carefully cut down the vines, roll them up, and store them for winter. This involves:

• Cutting down vines to 2-3 feet above ground after several hard frosts.

• Gently unraveling vines from their supports.

• Rolling up vines loosely.

• Storing bundles of vines in cardboard tubes or wrapping in burlap.

• Keeping vines in unheated garage or shed until spring.

• Remoistening vines if they dry out over winter.

• Unwrapping vines in early spring and attaching to supports.

The vines regenerate quickly after unwrapping in spring, more so than if I left them attached to supports all winter. It’s extra work but pays off with healthier plants.

Fall Protection from Clematis Wilt

One of the most devastating diseases of clematis is called clematis wilt. The fungi that cause it can quickly kill vines, sometimes in just a few days. Prevention is the best control.

To protect plants from clematis wilt in fall:

• Carefully inspect vines and prune out any shriveled stems which may indicate the disease.

• Disinfect pruning tools after each cut by dipping in a 10% bleach solution. Rinse and oil tools after disinfecting.

• Remove dropped leaves and petals which can harbor the disease.

• Space plants for good air circulation to prevent fungal spores from accumulating.

• Water at the base of plants in morning to allow time for foliage to dry.

• Apply lime sulfur spray in late fall after several hard frosts but before ground freezes. Spray vines, trellises and the soil around each plant.

With extra care in fall, your clematis vines will stay healthy and flower beautifully the following season. Pay close attention to when each type blooms and prune accordingly. Give them a nutritional boost, prune away supports, and protect from disease before winter sets in. A bit of work in fall will pay off with a vibrant display come spring.

Common Fall Clematis Care Mistakes

Even experienced gardeners can make missteps when caring for clematis vines in the fall. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Pruning all clematis vines in fall – This removes next year’s flowering wood from early and repeat bloomers.

• Forgetting to prune late bloomers – These need cut back in fall to remove old, dead growth.

• Not removing vines from supports – Leaving vines attached all winter puts excess strain on them.

• Failing to mulch roots – Bare roots suffer winter damage from heaving soil.

• Applying high nitrogen fertilizer – This causes late season growth prone to winterkill.

• Forgetting to disinfect tools – Tools can spread deadly clematis wilt if not sanitized.

• No preventative fungicide spray – Lime sulfur spray helps control clematis wilt fungi.

• Poor drainage or crowded plants – Wet soil and poor air circulation encourage disease.

Enjoy Clematis Flowers Through the Seasons

Part of the allure of clematis vines is that different types bloom continuously from early spring through fall. But this diversity also makes fall care confusing if their pruning needs aren’t considered. With proper pruning technique matched to flowering times, generous mulching and disease prevention, clematis vines will thrive in any garden. Take time to understand your plants’ needs and they will reward you with uninterrupted flowers.