Clematis root ball , cut down ?

I am replacing a container group 3 clematis , it has failed due to wilt last two seasons . New one is due from Taylors today and will be potted in a sterilised container in JI 3.
I am going to repot one more time the old clematis . The unpotted root ball is large at 9" x 9" x 18" long. Will reducing the root ball by about a third have any advantage in repotting it ?
TIA

 

Hello Harry
Can you plant it in the garden? A rootball of that size would make an impressive plant next year if planted out.
You can divide clematis......I have done this to make 2 x jackmanii....so I see no reason why you could not reduce it as you want to. I can see no advantage reducing the rootball unless trying to accommodate pot size!
In any case, I would plant it much deeper....prob 2" more.

 

Hi @Verdun , blooming thing keeps wilting back . So I wanted pot it up in an old container and put it out of the way . Hopefully it may recover. I'll reduce the root ball to fit the pot and so I can pot deep . Then keep my fingers crossed
The new container clematis is arriving in the next hour . So that will also be potted deep in the fully cleaned container.

 

Well at least mulch thickly or lay a flat stone, tile etc over the roots.
Good luck Harry