How to Grow Clematis chinensis? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Techniques

Clematis chinensis, also known as iron-foot clematis, iron-horn clematis, iron-foot clematis, etc., is a perennial woody vine of the genus Clematis in the Ranunculaceae family, with high cultivation value. Its roots and stems are used as medicine and have the effects of dispelling wind-dampness, unblocking meridians, and dissolving bone obstructions. The whole plant can be used as a pesticide to control bridge-building worms, cabbage caterpillars, cutworms, and to kill mosquito larvae, etc. Let us take a look at the cultivation techniques for Clematis chinensis below!

Site Selection and Land Preparation

For planting Clematis chinensis, choose a plot that faces away from the sun, has shorter sunshine duration, and has relatively deep soil. Deeply plow and harrow finely, then form beds. In combination with land preparation, apply sufficient base fertilizer. Apply 3000 kg of farmyard manure per mu, and 50 kg of compound fertilizer containing 15% each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Sowing at the Right Time

1. Seedling raising and transplanting: In spring, use the broadcast sowing method to raise seedlings, cover with soil no more than 1 cm, then cover the bed surface with rice straw. Under suitable temperature and humidity, seedlings emerge in about half a month. After emergence, transplant and set out the seedlings 50-60 days later.

2. Root bud transplanting: In spring, before the root buds sprout, use a knife to cut off the root buds, then directly transplant them into the field at a plant spacing of 30x40 cm.

Field Management

1. Weeding: During the seedling raising period of Clematis chinensis, promptly remove the rice straw covering after the seedlings emerge. When the seedlings are 3-5 cm tall, carry out intertillage and weeding once, and thereafter carry out intertillage and weeding 1-2 more times depending on weed growth. After setting out in the field, carry out intertillage and weeding 2-3 times each year.

2. Topdressing: During the seedling stage of Clematis chinensis, apply dilute and small amounts of human feces and urine or other nitrogen fertilizer in combination with intertillage and weeding. After setting out, apply phosphorus-containing fertilizer or compound fertilizer twice.

3. Pruning: To promote the root development of Clematis chinensis, appropriately cut off overly dense vines.

4. Drainage and irrigation: For Clematis chinensis planting, drain promptly during rainy weather, and pay attention to watering during dry weather.

5. Pests and diseases: Clematis chinensis has relatively few pests and diseases, but once found, they should be controlled promptly.

6. Harvesting: Clematis chinensis uses its roots as medicine. Two years after planting, dig up the roots in autumn, pick out impurities, remove stems and leaves, wash off soil, soak in water, scoop out, moisten thoroughly, cut into sections, dry in the sun, and store in a dry place.