Find the best two ways that Clematis can be propagated

It is possible to propagate clematis plants at home, instead of purchasing them all the time. Clematis can be propagated in two ways vegetative (non-sexual) propagation or generative (sexual) propagation.

Vegetative propagation

This involves developing new plants from parts of a single parent plant. The child plant will be completely identical to the parent plant, having its strengths and weakness. There are many methods used for vegetative propagation.

By layering downward-hanging shoots this technique id ideal for climbing clematis varieties and is very simple to carry out.

Propagation from cuttings

In-experienced gardens can easily perform this technique, provided they follow the basic cutting techniques.

Clematis alpine, Clematis macropetala and Clematis Montana can be propagated in this manner. There are also some other tree nurseries that can also be propagated from the large-flowered garden varieties by taking cutting.

By division

This involves the rootstock of the plant being divided and is ideal for herbaceous perennial clematis.

By grafting

The majority of garden clematis were propagated through grafting. The bud-producing parts of the preferred clematis is combined with a stock and allowed to connect together. This propagating technique requires special knowledge and should not be done by inexperienced gardeners.

Generative propagation

This is known as sexual propagation and involves the fusion of pollen (from the male) and the stigma (of the female) producing a seed. The young plants that are created have genetic material that is different to that of the parent plants.

Pollination is done by insects or through human intervention. New plants develop from falling seed and this is an easy natural method of propagation. Generative propagation results in completely new varieties that have high qualities than the mother and father plants.

Layering down hanging shoots

This involves allowing the shoot to develop roots.

Method

  • Select a shoot which is hard such as from last year.

  • Fill a flower pot with good garden soil and peat carefully sink the pot into the soil right up to its rims.

  • Place the shoot at a slant in the pot and fix it with a wire pin.

  • Dip a stick in the pot and tie the tip of the shoot to it. The shoot will produce roots after 8-9 months.

  • The new plant must be separated from the old shoot and have the tip of the shoot shortened to about 15cm.

  • The pot must be removed from the soil and then plant the young plant in a bigger pot with perfect garden soil.

The new clematis will be ready for planting out after about 6 months.