SierraMom: Very glad your clematis is back! I have a lot of clematis plants, some forty years old. I have read a ton of articles, bought books, and after all these years, here is my respectfully submitted opinion on pruning same: Just don't! It is really a "neatness" thing, in that a lot of gardeners can't stand to see the old clematis canes there! In fact, your Clematis will use those old canes as a trellis, and will readily climb same. Note: Once your clematis is in full bloom, then one can trim away at the old canes, that now, can easily be discerned to be dead. I just looked at a number of my clematis, and depending upon the "class" , there are tons of buds on the previous year's canes-no way in the World I am going to prune those off - half the blooms gone right there. Do you know I would do in your case: Buy a purple Jackmanni Suprba and plant it right at the base of the one you have. Then, pink and purple entwined! Would be beautiful! Hang in there!! Cheers!
