Knowledgebase

Pruning #948476

Asked November 14, 2026, 4:23 PM EST

Should a clematis be pruned down? What might a bush with white “balls” be and how to care for it.

Le Sueur County Minnesota

Expert Response

Review these web pages for clematis pruning.
https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/vines/clematis-pruning-made-simple.html
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2019/05/May-11-2019-Pruning-Clematis.pdf
The white balls plant picture is not distinct enough to be sure on identification. The plant may be a common snowberry. See these web pages.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/symphoricarpos-albus/
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=450&PlantTypeID=8

Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied November 14, 2026, 4:57 PM EST

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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