Can I Propagate a Brand New Clematis Plant?

Propagation

• Use softwood cuttings of the vine to propagate a brand new clematis plant. Softwood cuttings are the supple and succulent, current year growth that is only minimally firm. The best time to take softwood cuttings is between the end of spring to early summer. Cuttings that are taken later are referred to as semi-hardwood cuttings.

Planting Medium

• Prepare a small pot to plant the cuttings by filling with equal amounts of peat, perlite and sand or fine gravel. Rooting medium helps to provide mechanical support to the cuttings as well as the required oxygen and water. Commercial rooting mediums are also available in stores. Use a pencil to create 2-inch-deep planting holes in the medium.

Method

• Use a sharp scissors to take three or four, 4- to 8-inch-long sections of softwood stems measuring from stem tips. Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the stems. Leave a couple of the leaves at the top as these naturally continue to produce a substance that helps to produce roots in the cuttings. After dipping the base of the cutting in a rooting hormone, plant immediately in the planting holes it the pot. Firm the medium around cuttings and water well. Place in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight and keep medium moist.

Planting Rooted Cuttings

• It usually takes a few weeks for the cuttings to produce roots. After few weeks, tug very gently at the cuttings to test for roots. Rooted cuttings will hold their ground. If cuttings feel even slightly loose, let them stay longer until rooted. Fill medium-sized pots with a well-draining potting soil and transfer rooted cuttings one to a pot. Let plants grow stronger and larger before transplanting to a permanent spot in the garden.