Re: Clematis Paniculata 'Sweet Autumn Vine'

Happy New Year to you, too, Debby.

C. paniculata - sweet autumn clematis - is a prolific self seeder in
my garden.  Tom Clothier's excellent seed germination database

http://users.anet.com/~manytimes/page43.htm

says:

Sow at 20ºC (68ºF), if no germination in 3-4 wks, move to -4 to +4ºC
(24-39ºF) for 2-4 wks

What this means is they need a warm period, followed by a cold
period.  I've grown other Clematis from seed and found germination is
irregular and sometimes takes quite a while.  Warm is normal room
temperature warm and you can then put them in the fridge or,
depending on your climate, put the pots outside for winter.  If it's
way below freezing where you are, I'd go the fridge route.  I've
found that while seeds withstand freezing once hydrated, they don't
like a sudden change from warm to  below freezing.  If you sow in
pots in autumn, while the weather is still warm, and leave them
outside, they will withstand anything winter can throw at them, but
their change from warmth to freezing has been gradual, so they
acclimatize.

As for cuttings...I've found Clematis somewhat iffy.  You need to
take an internodal cutting.  In other words, cut below a node and
above a node.   Your 1' pieces are a tad too long, really.  If they
are going to root, they do it from the node, not the stem.  This is
not prime time of the year, but it doesn't hurt to try.  I've read
that bottom heat doesn't hurt; never tried it.  Rooting is slow if
it's going to happen.

I would imagine your plant in the ground will come back from the
roots in spring, despite puppy chewing.  Sweet autumn is a tough vine
and not all that easy to kill.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
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----------
> From: Debby Williams <debbywilliams1@home.com>
> 
> Happy New Year Everyone!
> I was wondering if anyone has experience propagating this vine.  My
> puppy chewed off the two main vines so I have cut them in
approximate 1'
> pieces, dipped them in rooting hormone and placed in damp soiless
mix.
> I am using the top ends as they are thinner, not woody.  I also
have
> collected about a dozen seeds.  Does anyone know if this vine will
grow
> true from seed?  Any tips on getting them to germinate?
> Thanks in advance.
> --
> Debby Williams
> Author of Fruit and Urban Kitchen Gardening e-zines at:
> http://wz.com/homegarden/GardensPlants.html
> Regional Advisor at http://www.thevegetablepatch.com/
> Oakland County, Michigan USA;USDA Hardiness Zones 5b/6a

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