Should I prune leggy stems?

Yes, you can prune them back to a healthy set of buds to encourage bushier growth. Do this in early spring.

Can I grow this plant without a trellis?

While it is a climber, you can grow it in a hanging basket, but it will naturally trail rather than climb. It will still need plenty of light to stay full.

Why is my Clematis viticella looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess if the plant is getting enough direct sun.
Check if the vines have a structure to climb.
Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.

Likely causes

Low Light Conditions
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with more direct sunlight. If it is indoors or on a porch, rotate the pot weekly to ensure even growth.
Lack of Support
Possible
How to tell: The vines are sprawling on the ground or tangling together because they have nothing to climb. The plant looks messy and sparse.
What to do: Install a sturdy trellis or wire support system. Gently tie the vines to the support using soft garden twine to encourage upward growth.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your italian leather flower

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is mostly an aesthetic issue and rarely kills the plant. It is normal for the lower parts of the plant to lose some leaves as it matures.

Stopping it coming back

Provide a trellis early on and ensure the plant gets plenty of sun to keep the growth compact.

Italian leather flower: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your italian leather flower and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I prune leggy stems?: Yes, you can prune them back to a healthy set of buds to encourage bushier growth. Do this in early spring.
Can I grow this plant without a trellis?: While it is a climber, you can grow it in a hanging basket, but it will naturally trail rather than climb. It will still need plenty of light to stay full.

Why is my Clematis viticella looking leggy?