Can Clematis Be Propagated Through Cuttings?

Tools and Equipment

• Taking cuttings requires sharp tools to prevent injury to both the mother plant and the cuttings themselves. Damaged tissues don't root as easily. A sharp knife or a sharp pair of pruners that has been disinfected is best. Unless the transplants are going straight into the garden, they need to be planted in light potting media in small containers with holes in the bottom until they root. The Ohio State University Extension recommends a mix of two parts sand to one part peat. Rooting hormones are not necessary, but can be used to help the rooting process.

Timeframe

• Cuttings are best taken in early summer (while they're growing actively) so they'll root in time to be planted in the garden in late summer and acclimate before winter sets in. It takes clematis cuttings about five weeks to root, though some varieties take longer. If the roots aren't well developed by late summer, keep the cuttings indoors through winter and plant them in the spring.

Method

• New growth that is just starting to harden (turn woody or stiff) is best for cuttings. Remove any flowers on the cutting because the cutting cannot support them and form roots at the same time. A length of vine only four nodes (or areas where the leaf or leaf bract meets the stem) is necessary for propagating. Remove the lower leaves, as this half will sit in the rooting media and form roots. Keep the upper leaves on to photosynthesize while roots are forming.

Care

• Provide a humid area, lightly moist soil and morning to afternoon sun to help the cuttings root quickly. Dry air stresses the leaves. Dry soil discourages rooting, but sopping, soggy soil will rot the stem before it can root. Hot afternoon soil will stress the leaves, but lack of sunlight will prevent the cuttings from having enough energy to produce roots. No fertilizer is necessary during rooting.