Clematis can be quite challenging to grow from cuttings, but by following our guide, you can trying growing more climbers for free.
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Propagate clematis
When to take cuttings
Start in late spring and your cuttings will root within a few weeks and be ready to plant out in the summer.
What to do
Taking cuttings
- For best results select a healthy shoot from the current season's growth about 90cm (3ft) long and remove from the plant by cutting above a leaf joint with secateurs, taking care not to damage any buds.
- Place shoots in a plastic bag moistened with water - this will help to keep the material fresh and prevent wilting.
- To make cuttings, take your shoots and divide them with a knife, cutting immediately above a leaf joint and then severing again, 5cm (2in) beneath it. Avoid using the very tips of the shoot as they're likely to be too soft.
- Remove one of the leaves from each cutting to help reduce moisture loss and allow more to be planted into the same pot, avoiding overcrowding.
- Dip the base of the cutting in hormone rooting powder and shake off any excess.
- Fill a 7.5cm (3in) pot with compost (a mix of 50 per cent cuttings compost and 50 per cent horticultural grit), level and firm.
- Insert several cuttings around the edge of the pot, pushing in until the leaf joint is level with the surface.
- Water and either place the pot in a windowsill propagator or cover with a clear polythene bag, held secure with an elastic band. This will help to speed up rooting.
Aftercare
- Keep compost moist and cuttings should root within several weeks.
- A good indicator is when the leaves appear to perk up. You can check further by looking for roots emerging through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Once rooted, remove the pot and gently split the rootball apart, keeping as much compost around the roots as possible.
- Put each cutting into its own pot, making sure it is planted at the same level as before.
- Water and put in a cool place, such as a cold frame and plant into your garden during spring.
It is also possible to propagate clematis by and species clematis can be grown from seed.
Five to try
- Clematis tangutica 'Bill MacKenzie' - yellow, bell-shaped flowers
- C. montana 'Broughton Star' - cup shaped pink blooms
- C. 'Niobe' - large velvet red flowers
- C.'Josephine' - blousey pink ruffled blooms
- C. 'Marie Boisselot' - large, pure white flowers
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