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 layering 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

See more clematis varieties in the Plant finder.