Clematis: Clematis-with no pruning?, 1 by pirl

pirl wrote:
Group 1 - no pruning unless it's really out of bounds and then ONLY immediately after bloom.
Group 2 - many opinions. Some people keep them low for the first year or two to give strength to the roots. Normally pruned after bloom by either half or a third.
Group 3 - cut down in Feb./Mar. to about 12", to the lowest bud.

Regardless of class or recommendations on clematis sites, there are some people who never prune any clem's and others who prune frequently.

For clematises of any class you can check Brushwood. This is their link to their Montana class: http://www.gardenvines.com/shop/search/results.html?search_i...

Check out http://www.winsfordwalledgarden.com/success-with-clematis/

From their site: "In Winsford’s example, we have seven clematis montana varieties which grow upwards of 30ft (10m) and these are all rooted up to 3ft (1m) away from the base of the south-facing north wall. A wall which can attain over 140F degrees in summer."

Not all of the class 1's will cover the entire garage so check the height. Here's my friend's Mayleen (first photo) so you can judge the coverage. She has moved but she did have to get on the roof to collect the debris every year or two so please keep that in mind.

Next photos are our own Montana grandiflora and I clip it back often (on the reverse side and at the right and left) or it would take over all the old fencing. As it is, we need to replace that fencing so I'll be able to report on how the drastic pruning goes and how the clematis reacted.

If you ever need to face painting the garage you will have to cut back the clematis so keep that in mind. The original owner of our home installed the type of fasteners in your link but I use a trellis instead on the rear of the brick fireplace wall (last photo). The fasteners do look good but keep in mind Group 1's sends up many shoots so they will twine in with each other so you won't need a fastener for every stem.

Good luck with your search and happy clematis hunting. Please keep us posted!