Clymatis in winter

[Linda S.]

What do I do with my clymatis in the winter? Do you trim it back or leave it growing up the trellis?

[Clanad]

Clematis can be put in three categories: Spring-flowering, summer-flowering , and twice-flowering.
Spring-blooming Clematis produce flowers on stems that grew during the previous year. Prune when flowers are done blooming. Cut back the flowers that are now dead. Prune out any old dead stems as well.
Summer-blooming Plants bloom on new growth produced in the spring. Cut back stems before new growth begins. Late autumn or early spring is a good time to prune. Cut back about 12 inches of old growth. Each year the vine will grow larger and stronger.
Twice-blooming Plants first bloom in spring on stems produced the previous year. Late summer or fall will be the next bloom time. In late fall or very early spring, prune lightly to thin the stems. After the spring bloom, prune more heavily for more healthy stems to develop for the next bloom. After a second bloom, prune old flowers away.

Good luck!