How to Start Clematis

Clematis is a genus of climbing vines with flowers in a variety of colors. Layering is the most common method of starting clematis. This technique involves growing a Clematis stem underground until it produces roots. This stem can then be transplanted to a new location.

Things You'll Need:

• 1-gallon planting pot


• Sand


• Top soil


• Wire cutters


• Bailing wire


• Knife


• Root hormone


• Pruning shears

1. Fill a 1-gallon bucket three-fourths full with an equal mixture of sand and topsoil.


2. Select a clematis vine from an adult plant that is at least 4 feet long with growth buds along the entire vine. Place the planting plot under the base of the selected stem.


3. Scrape the outer bark from the inner bark around the selected clematis vine by using a sharp knife.


4. Apply a light coat of root hormone to the scraped part of the clematis vine. This encourages the vine to root at this location.


5. Bend an 8-inch length of bailing wire into a U-shape, and pull the clematis stem down into the planting pot. Hold the vine down with the bailing wire and cover the vine with soil. Press the soil down around the bailing wire to secure the stem in place.


6. Water the soil to keep it moist but not wet. The vine should take root within three months. Probe around the vine to ensure it has taken root, and cut the rooted vine from the adult plant with pruning shears. Transplant the vine to its new location.