How to prune clematis 'etoile violette'

Late winter to early spring (February–March), just as buds begin to swell. Cut all stems back hard to 30–45 cm (12–18 in) above soil, leaving one or two strong buds per stem. Remove all dead wood entirely. Tie in new growth as it extends.

Annually, every late winter. Yes — 'Etoile Violette' is a Group 3 viticella clematis that blooms on new wood. Hard pruning each late winter keeps it vigorous and floriferous. Without it, plants become a tangled mass of dead stems with flowers only at the tips. Cut every stem back to a healthy pair of buds around 30–45 cm from ground level.

Cut all stems back hard to 30–45 cm (12–18 in) above soil, leaving one or two strong buds per stem. Remove all dead wood entirely. Tie in new growth as it extends.