Can a Clematis Be Moved Safely in the Fall?

Fall Transplanting

• You can transplant clematis safely in the fall. Fall weather provides the best conditions for transplanting a clematis vine, but you can also transplant in early spring. In mild climates where the ground does not freeze solid, you can also transplant anytime during the winter. Late spring and summer transplanting is the least desirable. Hot weather further stresses clematis already stressed from transplanting and interrupts the plants during the active growth season.

Preparing for Transplanting

• Prepare the clematis for transplanting by soaking the soil two to three days before the move. Put a hose on a soak setting and allow the water to soak at least 24 inches deep. Determine the size of the root ball. Dig the root ball at least 12 inches wide and deep for young clematis with a spread of 12 inches or less. For mature clematis, dig the root ball 3 to 4 feet wide and 24 inches deep. The more soil you can keep around the roots, the better your chance of success.

Transplanting

• Prepare the hole at the new site before digging the clematis. Pick a spot that gets full sun or part sun when planting or transplanting a clematis. Make the hole 24 inches deep and three times wider than the root ball. Dig out the root ball and place it on a tarp or in a wheelbarrow for easy moving. Remove nursery clematis from the pots or plastic wrapping. Place the root ball in the hole and hold the plant upright.

Planting Position and Aftercare

• Fill in under the root ball until the base of the stem sits 2 inches below the soil line, then fill in around the roots and smooth out the area. Water the new transplant to thoroughly soak the area around the planting hole. When transplanting clematis in the fall, spread a layer of mulch 4 to 6 inches thick over the area to protect the roots during the first winter. Remove the mulch layer from around your clematis in spring to allow the ground to thaw.