Thanks, Pirl. I have a jackmanii as well and it is good to hear I've been on the right track re pruning. Laurie, mine is growing at the foot of a lilac so I cut it back in the fall to give the lilac some air and to prevent snow damage in the event we get snow. I also do some pruning to the lilac, even though fall is not the ideal time for that (I am cautious to leave as many next-year buds as possible - just do a general shaping). It is easier for me to see what is going on when both plants are leafless. I've never given the clematis epsom salts - what is that for? Would the lilac benefit from it as well? I also have vinca minor under the lilac and clematis.
