Clematis josephine

Hello,
I have received a new Clematis type from a friend and it's growing like wildfire! This plant was rec'd. as a small thing with 3 leaves, but now it is more than 2 feet tall.
My question is: Can I safely nip the top of it out and hope for more branches later?---or since there is only one branch on this new plant, should I just let it grow for this first year?
Thanks much,
Clint

 

C. Josephine is a light pruning sort of Clematis (Group 2). You could probably pinch out the tip now for increased branching, but you may be sacrificing flowers for this year, not that at 2 feet you would get many anyway.

 

Thanks Mr P,
It has grown so rapidly that I wonder how long that one strand will grow if left to it's own devices. I understand that this sort can become enormously long.
If i do nip it out now do you think that I will get some flowers after I plant it?
I have been using EM on this plant in the hope that it will stimulate extra root development...it definately has in our broadbeans this year...I was quite surprised.
Can you explain to me what the "Type 2" clematis is please. I haven't heard that term before. Also does the term,"light trim> mean that It tends to want to go it's own course?
Thanks for your help,
Clinp.s. Greetings from Ina

 

Thanks Eileen!
Don't you say the nicest things. yes, We can hardly wait till you come back over. If it doesn't warm-up soon, we'll be sitting in bare surroundings to take tea tho. Chuckle.
Seeyah,
Clint

 

Thanks so much for your warm welcome. I almost shudder to think what you've heard. Ha ha ha...
I appreciate your nice words about my website. It is really a pleasure to maintain now that the "hard work" has been done.
This forum is put together really well and the postings make good reading.
Greetings,
Clint

 

Group 2 Clematis are those which need no real pruning, so alpinas, macropetalas, montana, cirrhosa etc.
A light trim means that you just cut off bits which grow where you don't want them too, without harming the plant. As for your long stem, I would pinch out the tip and let it branch, but it probably does not really matter, eventually, you should get lots of new growth. Conventional advice is to cut clematis back to near the base when you plant anyway.

 

Thanks Paul,

I think I may let ig go though...that way I can see when it will bloom here in my climate zone--and thus know when properly to prune it. I don't know why I am making such a big deal about it actually. Ha ha ha. It's just that I want to give it every chance.
Do you think that mayn folks have this clematis? The response has been so scant.
Cheers,
Clint

 

It is a fairly new one, so I suppose not. We do not have it, but then I am not keen on double flowers.