Should I prune my group 3 clematis even though it has buds on?

[TuttiFrutti]

I have a group 3 (late summer flowering) clematis, and I know that usually you should prune them hard now. But I went out this morning and it has grown to about 5 foot, and is covered in fat juicy buds. It feels wrong to cut them off.

Should I leave it, or should I prune it?

I know, it feels wrong doesn't it?! But group 3 only flower on growth from the same year. So I'm guessing what you'll get if you don't prune is loads of leaf and then a few flowers at the end - not pretty!

Things are leafing up early this year.

Thanks abovetheholly. I am going to be brave and prune hard!

Is it definitely a group 3? I've bought clematis that have turned out not to be the variety they were labelled as.

RHS advice here in case that's helpful.

Thanks LikeASoul, yes I know it is a group 3 (etoile violette), I have had it a few years so I know when it flowers.

I saw Monty Don on Gardeners' World last week pruning a group 3 clematis with buds on, so I am reassured it was the right thing to do!