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Re: Clematis Propagation

For the smaller species Clematis, especially the shrubby ones, seeds are the
method of choice.
 
For the large, hybrid Clematis you have two propagation methods from which to
choose - Layering and Cuttings.
  
The easiest way to propagate a hybrid Clematis is by layering, if you don't
need too many plants.  Using a knife or razor make a shallow scraping wound
1" in length just above a node (preferably the second or third node) on one
of the leads.  Consider wounding on two sides of the stem.  Add a light
coating of hormone powder (knock off excess) or drop on some liquid hormone.
 Dig a shallow trench about 1"-2"  deep and 6" - 12" long, and pack some
sphagnum moss (uncut) if available or Canadian peat moss around the wound.
 Cover with soil and pack firm.  Keep moist.  You may want to place a brick
over this area  to prevent the soil from washing off.  This method is much
less trouble than cuttings.  No further care is needed, because unlike in in
cuttings, the propagation material is still being nourished by parent plant.

If you want a lot of plants, cuttings is about the only way.  If propagating
by cuttings, it is best to take cuttings from a younger plant (two years or
less) because they root much easier.  Older plants will work, but my
experience is that success rate is severely reduced.  Eliminate the soft top
growth and use only one node to a cutting.  Cuttings should be 2-4" in
length, 0.5 - 1" above the node and 1" -2" below the node.   Use a liquid
hormone such as 'Dip n Gro' in a concentration of about 4000 to 6000 ppm.
 The cuttings need to be kept moist in a mist tent or in flats with plastic
domes.  Keep in a shady area, or at least in indirect morning light, until
roots are well formed, probably about 6-12 weeks.   When they are rooted they
will resist a gentle tug.  If you get 30% to 50% rooted consider it a
success!  These cutting are subject to rot, so consider spraying with a
fungicide after cuttings are made.  Spray soil, cuttings and inside of
propagation chamber.  Some growers dip the cuttings in a fungicide solultion
for several minutes before the hormone is applied.  Early summer is a good
time of year to propagate.

Most of the books on Clematis or on hardy plant propagation give descriptions
of the various techniques you can use.

Let me know if you want any further information, citations to reference
material, or source of supplies.

Good luck!!

Park T. Owen
Knoxville, TN - Zone 6B

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