I have a single Clem - Barbabra Harrington that will be 2 years old this summer. I believe that this is the time of year that I need to prune it.

So what is the best way to do this? I haven't a clue, and I have never done it before. All suggestions and comments will be welcome.

Hopefully, if this one survives and thrives, I can get more clems in the future, but I kind of wanted to "try" one before I went all in with another flower addiction. Thanks ~Jan

As far as I know , I cut them back to 12" , sometimes even more. I don't know if in your zone it would be different. Good idea to go slowly! In my garden, BH has been slow to bloom. You might start a thread asking for recommended easy bloomers.Keep us posted.

http://hummingbirdfarm.net/cle...
This may give you some confidence!

What a great link, thank you Anna! My clem only bloomed for a short period last year, but that is OK. I am hoping for better things from it this year. ~Jan

I remembered today as I was trimming mine back that some recommend to trim it down the first year or two. That means don't let it grow over a foot or two as it grows through the summer or at a minimum, prune it in July. It is supposed to direct the growth to the roots and allow for long healthy life. I think that some varieties will flourish whatever you do

That's a good idea, Anna. Around here, the nurseries and public gardens cut back all of their clematis vines in groups 2 and 3 to almost nothing in January or February every year and by summer they're monsters. We're lucky that way in zone 9. We can treat the group 2 clems just like the ones in group 3.

Do they cut the young ones back in July too?

I doubt it, but they might.

Zuzu, since our climate is similar to So. Africa, I plan to try and follow what this lady recommends, she is the one with all those lovely clematis in large pots.
http://clematisbymarie.jimdo.c...

Wow, this thread has been very helpful, and Anna, that link was great. Thanks to all of you.

Pruned my BH yesterday, and am now looking for more type 3's to plant in my yard.....

By the way, I checked, and my Barbara Harrington survived the winter - yeah! Hopefully she will grow bigger, and bloom more, this season. I have high hopes for her! ~Jan

Thanks Chris!