Advice on clematis and planting a rose.

Hi everyone

I'd like some advice on what I should do (if anything) with a clematis - I think it's a Romantika but could be a Jackmandii. It's pretty well established and healthy, but really really woody - see pics. When it's flowering, it disguises it's woody stems, but when it dies back, it's a bit of an eyesore. If I cut it right back, is it likely that I will get no new growth and possibly kill it?
Also, I bought a climbing rose this week (Madame Alfred Carriere) and am wondering if it would survive being planted in the vicinity of the clematis, as I've no room for it anywhere else.


Any advice much appreciated, thanks
Monica

 

Both Jackmanii and Romantika fall into pruning group 3, so should be pruned back to about 12-18" above ground level in early spring. They flower on new growth.

Have a look at this link for advice on pruning

Clematis and Roses make good bedfellows too. Look here for more advice.

 

Thanks Merleworld. When it says to prune to 2/3 strong leaf buds, what does that mean? Back to where I see new growth or right down to where I can see original new growth?

 

They may or may not have leaves yet, but you can clearly see where the leaves will grow from.

Count 2 or 3 leaf buds up from the ground, then prune just above.

Have a look at this video - skip to 3:40.

 

Thanks again. I've spotted a couple (amid the tangled mess!). Perhaps most of the new leaves don't appear til next spring?

 

Yes, they are deciduous so the leaves won't develop until spring ready for the summer

I've planted a Rosa Teasing Georgia next to a Clematis Villes de Lyon this year so look forward to seeing how they look when they are both flowering

 

Should look great. Thonk I'll get on with planting the rose now - before the rain!