Anyone who has succumbed to the magic of a clematis will wish for more specimens of this magnificent climbing plant. Cuttings are the best choice for varietal propagation. The guide below explains how the method works.

Cut and prepare cuttings of a clematis - this is how it works

If the clematis is full of juice, it delivers the most vital cuttings. Therefore, propagate your clematis when it is in full bloom. For spring bloomers, such as Clematis alpina, this can be as early as April, while for the summer blooming Clematis viticella a day in July/August is an option. How to handle it correctly:

  • Cut the cuttings from the center of the plant with a sharp, disinfected tool
  • Make the cut between two leaf nodes
  • The ideal shoot length is 15-20 centimeters

Each offshoot is defoliated except for 1-2 leaves at the tip of the shoot. Then dip the lower half of the cuttings in a rooting powder such as Compo Agrosil or Neudofix from Neudorf.

This is how you plant and care for clematis cuttings in an exemplary manner

Immediately after the preparation, the offshoots are planted in small 15 cm pots. If you use a nutrient-poor soil as a substrate, such as pricking soil or a mixture of peat and sand, the cuttings will take a lot of trouble rooting. Follow these steps:

  • Fill seed pots (€16.68) with the recommended substrate
  • Plant three quarters of a cutting at a time
  • Ideally water from below
  • Provide each pot with a transparent hood
  • Support the material so that it does not touch the cutting
  • Place in a warm, partially shaded spot

In the following 6 to 8 weeks the substrate must not dry out. The cover is aired daily for 20-30 minutes to prevent mold from forming. If fresh shoots appear at the top, the hood has done its job. When the first root strands protrude from the opening in the ground, repot the young clematis into a larger pot with nutrient-rich, loose potting soil or plant them outdoors in the ground.

tips and tricks

Already knew? With good care, clematis can reach a biblical age for ornamental plants of up to 70 years. If you professionally grow a new clematis from a cutting, this can be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Category:

Indoor plants