Old man’s beard: when and how to prune

Clematis vitalba

Prune old man’s beard at the end of winter, in February–March: don’t hesitate to cut it back to 30–50 cm above the ground, or every year back to the space it is allowed to fill.

Old man’s beard, or traveller’s joy, is our native wild clematis: a vigorous climber that works its way up to 10–20 m through hedges, shrubs and trees. It flowers in July–September on this year’s shoots, and so tolerates hard pruning at the end of winter. That is also necessary: it grows so fast that in a small garden it can smother a hedge or a young tree. In a wild hedge or over a long fence, it is a top plant for wildlife.

Updated on 11 October 2026

Key facts
Pruning months	February–March
Nesting season (15 March–15 August)	Take care in March
Flowering	July–September
Good for bees, butterflies and birds	Yes, for bees, butterflies and birds
Native to Belgium	Yes
Poisonous to people and pets	Yes, take care with children and pets

Old man’s beard: when to prune it?

Prune at the end of winter, in February–March, before it starts into growth. By then the birds have used the seed fluff for their nests.

In summer, pull away shoots that go too far or threaten to smother a shrub. That isn’t pruning, just steering.

Don’t prune in autumn: you would lose the silvery seed heads, lovely in winter and a shelter for insects.

What else to prune in those months? February · March

Old man’s beard: how to prune it?

Cut it back hard, to 30–50 cm above the ground, or back to the space it is allowed to fill. It flowers on the new shoots.
At the same time, remove dead stems and the remains of the seed heads.
If it grows in a tree, cut the stems at the base and let the upper parts dry out before pulling them down.
Wear gloves and long sleeves: the sap irritates the skin and can cause blisters.
In May, guide the young shoots to the fence or hedge where it may grow.

How much to cut, and how often?

Hard every year: to 30–50 cm, or back to the space it may fill.
In a large, wild hedge, every few years, when it becomes too heavy.

What does it mean for wildlife?

Prune in February and early March, before the nesting season (from 15 March). If you are later, first check that no nest is hidden among the dense stems.
The fragrant flowers in July–September are busy with bees, bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies. The caterpillars of several moths live on the leaves.
In spring birds collect the soft seed fluff for their nests, and in winter insects overwinter in the seed heads. Leave them until February.
The whole plant is poisonous to people, pets and livestock. Don’t throw the prunings into a field.

Common mistakes

Letting it grow for years, until it smothers a hedge or a young tree.
Pruning without gloves, and ending up with irritated skin.
Pruning in autumn and removing the seed heads before winter.
Throwing the prunings in with horses or sheep.

Caution: Wear gloves and long sleeves: the sap irritates the skin. Old man’s beard is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Old man’s beard · Pruning calendar and basic rules