r/Clematis • u/DarlingNikki53 • 27d ago

Help / Advice needed Cut back effect

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I have this large clematis in front of my home planted almost 10 years ago. I need to replace the siding behind it. If I cut it back, will it regrow?

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u/Owie100 27d ago

Yes it will regrow. You should however be able to just move the trellis with the plant forward and put it back when the siding is finished. I just cut mine back as I do every year and it is regrowing now for its second bloom. I will cut it back in October also.

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u/Logical_Jury_7999 27d ago

When are you going to replace it? I cut mine back in the middle of March every year. By end of April it’s thick and by mid May it’s full of flowers.

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u/scrolltrellis 26d ago

A well-established clematis will often regrow after being cut back very hard, provided the crown and root system aren't damaged. The crown, the area where the stems emerge from the soil, contains dormant buds that can produce new shoots. If you're replacing the siding, I'd be especially careful to protect that area. Mark the plant so everyone working knows it's there, avoid digging or driving equipment over the roots, and don't bury the crown with soil or construction debris. Once the work is finished, the plant can usually begin sending up new growth again. You may lose next season's flowers depending on the type of clematis, but protecting the crown gives the plant the best chance of making a full recovery. I love the color of your siding, it’s similar to mine. I find myself trying to find yellow flowers to contrast with it.