I just bought 5 new clematis at my local Ace Hardware for $5.96 each. They are Ernest Markham, Asao, The President, Cardinal Wyszynski and Purple Star (venosa violacea). They are in 4.5" pots. At least 3 of them have stems that are 2' or longer. Should I cut them back before planting them?
Cutting Back New Clematis
You don't have to do that. Some of us are braver than others and do cut them back but I'm always curious to see if they bloom and what they'll look like.
It really is your choice.
They are all lovely clematises!