Propagate clematis by layering or cutting
When should I prune my clematis? I have several different kinds, and I'm always confused about how to prune each one.
Clematis are typically divided into three categories: early-blooming clematis, early large-flowering hybrids, and late-flowering clematis.
Early-blooming clematis typically have single or bell-shaped flowers; these bloom on old wood and should be pruned immediately after flowering.
Early large-flowering hybrids, such as the mauve-pink "Nelly Moser" or mauve-blue "Barbara Jackman" bloom on old wood, often with a second flush of bloom on new growth. Plants in this group don't usually need pruning except to remove dead or dying stems.
Late-flowering clematis, such as the ever-popular dark purple "Jackmanii," bloom in late summer to fall. They can be pruned hard yearly by cutting them back to about 10 inches above ground.
Clematis wilt is a somewhat serious disease of clematis, infecting the stem and causing portions of the plant to die. Should large portions of the clematis vine wilt and die, these portions should be cut back to ground level in the hopes of removing the fungal pathogen. New growth should sprout from the base.
How can I move my clematis? I'm having some construction in an area where I have an old "Jackmanii." I'm afraid to move it, but I'll lose it if I don't.
The clematis should not be too difficult to dig and move, even an old, established plant. Dig a generous area around the plant base, taking care not to disturb the roots and soil any more than necessary. Pick a site to relocate the plant where it can get full sun but where the roots can be shaded; clematis will suffer in an area with hot soils. Mix plenty of organic matter into the new planting site, which should be generously wide. Woody portions of the vine may be damaged in the process of transplanting; simply cut these stems off with sharp pruners. Be sure to water the plant in, and be mindful of dry periods this summer as the plant becomes established. Mulch over the root zone to protect roots from summer heat.
My neighbor has an autumn-blooming clematis that is beautiful in fall. Which clematis is this?
Sweet autumn clematis covers itself with fragrant white, star-shaped flowers in fall. The vine is vigorous, and can easily climb 20 feet or more. Mine covered my arbor in only two years. This clematis will also self-sow, so if you and your neighbor are on friendly terms, ask her if she has a start to share. Just be sure you really have the space to grow this clematis, because it will take over any space allowed. The Latin name of this clematis is Clematis terniflora. Our native clematis, Clematis viginiana, also blooms in autumn, and while it is not as floriferous as the sweet autumn clematis, it can make a successful garden addition.
How can I propagate my clematis? I don't know which one it is, but it has beautiful double white flowers. I'd like another for the front of the house.
Clematis can be propagated by either layering the stems or by taking cuttings. To layer the vine, choose a long stem that can be laid on the ground. Gently and shallowly bury a length of the stem, anchoring the buried portion with a stone or other weight. Eventually, the buried portion of the stem will root, and can be cut and removed from the parent plant. Layering can take a year or more.
To propagate with cuttings, take short cuttings from the plant base now, and root them in a well-drained sterile potting mix.
Ellsworth is an extension educator, Summit County OSU Extension Service. Call a master gardener for advice 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at 216-429-8235. Gardening information is also available at cuyahoga.osu.edu and webgarden.osu.edu. Write master gardeners at email@example.com