| I have a well established Jackmanii clematis, and I'd like to take a clipping and plant more. How do I do this? |
| The following info is taken from the book, "Clematis" by the American Horticultural Society. Cuttings are best taken in early summer from new stems. Cut a growing shoot and select the best cuttings from it. Several cuttings can be made from a length of new growth, using all the but the soft tip and hard, woody stem at the base. 1. Make the first cut on the main stem between 2 leaf joints (nodes) about 1.5-2 inches below the top node, using a sharp knife. 2. Make the second cut just barely above the node. 3. Trim off the leaves on one side of the stem to lessen the efects of transpiration (water loss through the leaves). This may not be necessary for clematis with very small or fine leaves. 4. Unless the leaves are very small, cut away one leaflet and its stalk. (In a grouping of 3 leaflets.) Always leave at least 2 leaflets to sustain the cutting during its rooting period. 5. Dip the base in rooting hormone. Insert into a pot filled with a mix of 50% peat, 25% sharp sand, and 25% perlite. Water in. 6. Place in good light out of direct sun in a closed case or cover the pot with a plastic bag. Don't let the plastic touch the foliage. Rooting takes about 6 weeks. |
