How to Propagate Clematis? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

Clematis is native to China, and currently there are about 300 species of clematis varieties worldwide. Clematis is not only suitable for garden ornamental purposes, but also has certain medicinal value, and even has the reputation of "Queen of Climbing Flowers." Some flower enthusiasts like to grow clematis themselves, so the editor will introduce the propagation methods of clematis to you.

Clematis

Seed sowing:Original species can be propagated by sowing. Seeds of the epigeal germination type (smaller achenes, thinner seed coat), if sown in spring, will germinate in about 3-4 weeks. If sown in autumn, they will germinate when spring arrives and the weather warms up. Seeds of the hypogeal germination type (larger, thicker seed coat) must go through a low-temperature vernalization stage before they can germinate and the first pair of true leaves emerges; some species must go through two low-temperature stages before they can germinate, such as Clematis patens. For vernalization treatment, if seeds are refrigerated at 0-3 degrees C for 40 days, germination takes about 9-10 months. Treatment with gibberellin at a certain concentration can also be used.

Layering:In March, use mature branches from the previous year for layering. They usually root within 1 year.

Grafting:For hybrids such as the Jackman clematis group, single-node scions can be grafted onto C. vitalba or C. viticella rootstocks using the cleft grafting method. The node has 1-2 buds, and the section below the node is 5-10 cm long. Grafting in a heated and sealed grafting box easily promotes survival.

Division:Clump-forming plants can be divided.

Cuttings:For cultivated varieties of hybrid clematis, cuttings are the main propagation method. In July-August, take semi-mature branches and cut at the internode (that is, cut in the middle between the upper and lower nodes; the node has 2 buds). Use a medium of half peat and half sand. The insertion depth is such that the buds on the node are just exposed above the surface. Bottom temperature 15-18 degrees C. After rooting, pot into 3-inch pots and overwinter in a frost-protected hotbed or greenhouse. In spring, transfer to 4-5 inch pots and move outdoors. In summer, shade is needed to protect against rain showers, and plant out at the end of October.

How to Grow Clematis: Clematis Propagation Methods

Clematis, also known as iron thread peony or golden-wrapped silver. Most are deciduous or green herbaceous vines, with the flowering period from early spring to late autumn, and fruiting in summer. Clematis can be used for garden ornamental purposes and can also be used as medicine. Clematis has long had the reputation of "Queen of Climbing Flowers." Let's take a look at how to grow it below.

Herbaceous vine, about 1-2 m long. Stem brown or purplish-red, with six longitudinal stripes, swollen at the nodes, sparsely covered with short soft hairs. Bipinnately trifoliolate compound leaves, up to 12 cm long including the petiole; leaflets narrowly ovate to lanceolate, 2-6 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, with a bluntly pointed apex, rounded or broadly wedge-shaped base, entire margin, very rarely lobed, hairless on both surfaces, veins not conspicuous; petiolules clearly visible, short or up to 1 cm long; petiole 4 cm long.

Flowers solitary in leaf axils; pedicel about 6-11 cm long, nearly hairless, with a pair of leaf-like bracts in the middle-lower part; bracts broadly ovate or ovate-triangular, 2-3 cm long, sessile or shortly stalked at the base, covered with yellow soft hairs; flowers spreading, about 5 cm in diameter; 6 sepals, white, obovate or spoon-shaped, up to 3 cm long, about 1.5 cm wide, apex rather pointed, base gradually narrowed, hairless on the inner surface, on the outer surface along three straight midveins forming a linear-lanceolate band, densely tomentose, margin hairless; stamens purplish-red, filaments broadly linear, hairless, anthers lateral, oblong-rectangular, shorter than the filaments; ovary narrowly ovate, covered with pale yellow soft hairs, style short, upper part hairless, stigma enlarged into a head shape, slightly 2-lobed.

Achene obovate, flat, with thickened margin, persistent style elongated into a beak shape, slender, with spreading short soft hairs in the lower part, hairless in the upper part, enlarged stigma 2-lobed. Flowering period January to February, fruiting period March to April.

Growing Clematis:

1. How to Choose Clematis

Choosing clematis seedlings is very important. First, you must choose good varieties. Many varieties have proven to be relatively weak, such as Miss Bateman, Patricia, Red Star, Kyoko, Shigemaru and many others. So beginners must choose carefully. Second, you must choose a good seller.

2. How to Mix the Soil

The medium is the most important thing in pot-grown clematis. One big principle is that it must be breathable and moisture-retentive. Based on this principle, some flower enthusiasts, combining the soil mixes of those experts, believe that the best, most economical and practical soil mix method is to use coconut coir 3, peat 1, perlite 1 to mix the soil. Of course, large-particle media such as volcanic stone, kanuma soil, expanded clay pellets, and bark can also be added. Coconut brick is cheap, and its coarse fiber is the most breathable and also easily moistened. Peat can help retain water. Perlite is also used for aeration. For small seedlings, it is best not to add organic fertilizer in the first year; adding some slow-release fertilizer is best. When repotting in autumn of the second year, an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer can be added at the bottom, but it must be separated from the root system. Be sure to remember not to use organic fertilizer. During regular watering, you can add fertilizers such as Multisol, Flower Duoduo, and Biwang for irrigation.

Whether the soil mix is good or not can be judged by the speed at which water flows away. That is, after mixing the soil, fill a 1-gallon pot with it and pour in water. If the water drains away immediately after you pour it in, it means the soil mix is good. Also, clematis should be planted shallowly in spring, especially in the south. The root-stem junction is best left exposed. Because spring air humidity in the south is high, if soil covers the small clematis at the weakest point of the root-stem junction, it is very easy for bacteria to invade, causing wilt. You can place some expanded clay pellets at the root-stem junction to cover it, which is both attractive and protects them. (The editor suggests not placing too many, as under hot and humid spring conditions it will increase the reproduction of pathogens.) When autumn comes, clematis can be planted deeply, allowing it to develop roots at multiple levels, so that if wilt occurs, it can recover faster.

3. Watering and Pest and Disease Management

In many cases, clematis is killed by water damage. It has fleshy roots and is very afraid of waterlogging. But it also likes to remain moist. Therefore, generally in winter, water must be controlled, basically once every half month. In summer, watering should be more frequent, generally once every 3 days. Because summer weather is too hot, it is best to supply water from the tray in the morning. Do not water directly at noon, otherwise the roots will rot. Watering follows the principle of watering when dry, not watering every day. In spring and autumn, watering can be more flexible, because clematis is in its vigorous period and uses water quickly. The so-called "water thoroughly when dry" does not mean using a lot of water; seeing water flow out is enough, and you do not have to repeatedly irrigate with a lot of water. Also, it is very afraid of water, because its root system is generally very fine, noticeably similar to that of geraniums.

Clematis is most afraid of wilt. Wilt disease is like a person catching a cold; so far there is no absolute preventive medicine. But in the south's spring season of unsettled weather, it is best to use carbendazim or potassium permanganate to prevent clematis wilt. Plant ash is also a very good preventive material. An old farmer told the editor that in the past when there were no organic pesticides, they used plant ash, scattering it on bean pods and other plants in the morning when there was fog, which could effectively prevent wilt and pest outbreaks. After wilt occurs, first water a small amount to see whether the wilting is caused by lack of water. But if it is still wilted after watering overnight, then it can be confirmed as wilt. The top should immediately be removed, the leaves cut off, and then follow the vine to observe until you find the place where it has wilted and turned black, and directly snip it with scissors. The wilted vine can also be trimmed and directly used for cuttings. After pruning a wilted clematis, carbendazim or potassium permanganate should be used to drench the roots for disinfection, and it should be placed in a cool place for a week to recover, waiting to sprout new shoots again. But generally, once a 1-year-old seedling wilts, it is very difficult to recover; 2-year-old or older clematis seedlings can definitely sprout new shoots. So generally, when a small seedling develops wilt, you must be mentally prepared to buy a new seedling, while for a large seedling you can absolutely wait.

4. Pruning

There are no absolute rules for pruning clematis. But in general, after flowering, if you do not need to keep seeds, you can cut the 3 nodes of branches below the flower for cuttings. In autumn and winter, when clematis enters dormancy, pruning should be carried out immediately. Small seedlings can generally be cut back level with the soil, while large seedlings can retain strong branches. In particular, double-flowered varieties such as Daniel Deronda, Arctic Queen, Josephine, and Crystal should retain old branches.

5. Winter Care

Most clematis can overwinter outdoors in the south, and in the north older clematis also have no problem. In winter, if it is a small seedling, after pruning, it should be covered with dry peat or coconut coir. Large seedlings can generally be placed anywhere. The most important thing in winter is to control water. Actually, just spraying some water on the surface of the peat or coconut coir is enough; absolutely do not use a lot of water. After clematis sprouts, it can be repotted. Place some fermented organic fertilizer at the bottom of the new pot, remember it is a small amount. Then put a layer of new medium before placing the clematis. Generally, 1-year-old clematis should best not be casually moved to a large pot. Be sure to remember not to move it to a large pot, not to put organic fertilizer, and you can add an appropriate amount of mixed fertilizer.

6. Ground Planting of Clematis

Clematis is very suitable for ground planting. In the south, small sturdy seedlings can be planted in the ground, but in the north, generally seedlings of 2 years or more should be chosen for ground planting. The editor suggests using the method of planting in the ground with the pot for growing small seedlings, which works very well. That is, make as many holes as possible in the bottom of the pot so that the clematis root system can feel the ground and can drill out from the bottom of the pot. You can use black currant pots or two-color pots to grow them, without worrying about damaging the pot. The reason this method is very good is, first, the plant receives the essence of heaven and earth; second, the pot wall is higher than the surroundings, which can effectively prevent waterlogging. Ground-planted clematis basically rarely wilts, and will also bring you a shocking explosion of flowers that pot cultivation cannot surpass. As long as there is no waterlogging and not too many soil pests, you can relax and not manage it too much. After all, clematis was improved from wild clematis. Letting clematis return to nature has many benefits.

Clematis Propagation Methods

Propagation can be done by sowing, layering, grafting, division, or cuttings.

Sowing

Original species can be propagated by sowing. Seeds of the epigeal germination type (smaller achenes, thinner seed coat), if sown in spring, will germinate in about 3-4 weeks. If sown in autumn, they will germinate when spring arrives and the weather warms up. Seeds of the hypogeal germination type (larger, thicker seed coat) must go through a low-temperature vernalization stage before they can germinate and the first pair of true leaves emerges; some species must go through two low-temperature stages before they can germinate, such as Clematis patens. For vernalization treatment, if seeds are refrigerated at 0-3 degrees C for 40 days, germination takes about 9-10 months. Treatment with gibberellin at a certain concentration can also be used.

1. Spring Sowing

Spring-sown seeds need to be pre-germinated. First soak the seeds in 40 degrees C warm water for 24 h, remove and drain, then keep them covered to promote germination. Once most seeds have "broken white" (sprouted), they can be sown. Generally, the suitable sowing period in northern Xinjiang is early April, and the suitable sowing period in southern Xinjiang is early March. Before sowing, finely prepare the land so that the terrain is level and the soil is fine and crumbly. Then build ridges and make beds, with beds 6 m long and 4 m wide. Clematis is usually sown in drills, with row spacing 50-60 cm and furrow depth 2 cm. After sowing, cover with soil to a thickness of 1.5 cm, and press lightly.

2. Autumn Sowing

Autumn sowing does not involve pre-germination; sow directly, generally in early November. Seedlings emerge in the following spring. Autumn sowing generally emerges more uniformly and grows faster than spring sowing.

Layering

In March, use mature branches from the previous year for layering. They usually root within 1 year.

Division

Clump-forming plants can be divided.

Cuttings

For cultivated varieties of hybrid clematis, cuttings are the main propagation method. In July-August, take semi-mature branches and cut at the internode (that is, cut in the middle between the upper and lower nodes; the node has 2 buds). Use a medium of half peat and half sand. The insertion depth is such that the buds on the node are just exposed above the surface. Bottom temperature 15-18 degrees C. After rooting, pot into 3-inch pots and overwinter in a frost-protected hotbed or greenhouse. In spring, transfer to 4-5 inch pots and move outdoors. In summer, shade is needed to protect against rain showers, and plant out at the end of October.

Pot Cultivation Techniques

Seedling Selection

Because the root system of clematis does not have sufficient competitiveness, when selecting seedlings, choose plants with plump roots, multiple stems, and vigorous dark green growth.

Preparing the Substrate Before Planting

Generally, fertile and well-drained substrates can be used for growing clematis. We choose a substrate mixed with peat and perlite at a ratio of 3:1 or 2:1, with the substrate EC value controlled at 60-80 mg/kg and pH between 5.8-6.5.

Support: The final size and growth vigor of clematis are related to the support. The support should be thin (diameter less than 1.5 cm) so that the leaf stalks can wrap around it. The support can be thin bamboo poles or plastic-coated wire mesh, etc., with a height between 1-2 m.

Pots: Pots should be at least 35 cm deep and 25-30 cm wide; of course, the larger the better. It is best to use wooden or ceramic pots, which are not only attractive but also conducive to the growth of the clematis root system.

Planting

Before planting, cut the clematis stems to 30 cm high, which favors branching and can avoid stem damage during planting. The base of the clematis stem should go 3-5 cm below the soil surface. After placing the plant at the appropriate depth, cover with soil, firm it, and water.

The clematis root system likes a cool environment. Covering the planting substrate with a 3-5 cm thick mulch (such as bark, moss, etc.) can provide a very good and cool root environment, which is conducive to the growth of the plant's root system.

The planting time is scheduled for March-May or September-October.

After reading the above introduction on clematis growing and propagation methods, do you have a better understanding of clematis growing and propagation? If you want to know more about clematis, please continue to follow us.

Clematis Varieties, Clematis Growing Methods, Is Clematis Easy to Grow?

I wonder if you like growing a few small plants at home? Although some plants are so small, they have quite a few uses! They can purify the air, and they are also attractive and can play a decorative role. Some plants also have medicinal effects, so they have many uses. Among them, clematis is one of them. The editor is here today to introduce clematis to everyone.

1. What Is Clematis

Clematis is also called iron thread peony, passionflower, etc. It is a plant in the Ranunculaceae family and Clematis genus. Most are deciduous or evergreen herbaceous vines, with the flowering time from early spring to late autumn, and the fruiting period in summer.

2. Clematis Varieties

There are many clematis varieties. Let's look at a few common ones. Xiangyun: a Polish variety, relatively robust, with moderate growth vigor. The flowering period is very long, and it has large white flowers with a light pink midrib. Jersey: also a Polish variety, with high flower production and also a long flowering period. The flowers are like white silk, with a light green midrib when first opening, coffee-colored anthers, and white filaments. Ice Beauty: grows relatively luxuriantly and belongs to the free-flowering group. The petals are pearl white, with purple stripes on the back, and the stamens are yellow-green. It grows very well under full-light conditions.

3. Clematis Growing Methods

To grow clematis well, drainage is the most important step. Clematis itself does not have high requirements for the substrate, so it is not required that everyone use soilless substrate; ordinary soil can also give good results. However, remember that basic drainage must be good, and relatively clayey soil cannot be used; otherwise it must be improved by adding a little tile pieces, broken pot pieces, perlite, etc., to improve the drainage capacity of the substrate. In addition, it is recommended that you choose clay pots rather than plastic pots for cultivation, because the surface of clay pots has micropores that help discharge excess water from the substrate. If you are in the south where summer is very humid, then this point is very important for you. The irrigation method also determines the root morphology of clematis. We must maintain a habit of "water when dry, stop when wet," that is, irrigate only when clematis is relatively short of water; in this way, the root system will be very robust.

The above are the common clematis varieties and clematis growing methods. I believe clever you have learned them! The roots and herb of clematis can be used as medicine to promote urination and to activate blood circulation and relieve pain, with very significant effects. Friends who are interested might as well grow a few pots at home!