Moving clematis armandii

Robmarston · October 2021

I have an armandii that I planted nearly 2 years ago that I need to move. I have a few questions regarding how and whether to do this. The first thing is it’s next to a wall, so I’m not sure I’ll be able to get all the rootball out. Also, as it’s been in the ground a relatively short time it only consists of one stem about 10ft long with one or two small branches off. As it’s put on this growth I don’t really want to cut it back and lose flowers next year. With this in mind, would it be better to say goodbye and just buy a new one to plant now?

I also have a group 3 princess Kate in a similar position, so my question is the same for that one. With Kate however I know I’d be cutting it back anyway so that’s not a problem.

How do I move them whilst not cutting back the armandii, minimising damage and maximising flowers next year? Would they be ok to move now? Most things I read say don’t move them but in a search on this site it seems possible…

Lizzie27 · October 2021

I don't think you can move it and keep that one long branch, it would probably break whilst you are moving it. I would prune it back to a manageable size (about half maybe) any time now while the soil is still warm, water it well the day before, prepare the new hole and then dig it up with as big a rootball as you can manage - you may find it goes quite deep. Replant as quickly as possible and water it well.

I had a ten year old one which never did very well but had to be cut right back to allow other work to take place. To my great surprise, it seemed to rejuvenate the plant and it roared back into life, sprouting new stems and flowering like mad the following spring.

Princess Kate is probably best left until spring when they are usually cut right back and moved then.

Hope they both survive and flourish.

Robmarston · October 2021

Thanks @Lizzie27. I’ll give it a go this weekend. I’ll try to keep that branch by roping in the OT. But if not, so be it. I do hope it flowers next year.

thevictorian · October 2021

If its only been in for two years then you might be able to get most of the roots out. If it's near a wall it should be easier (if the wall is behind rather than hindering your access) because the roots will be partly constrained. You only need to cut back heavily if you can't keep a decent amount of roots but if it only has one main stem then in the long run cutting it back will make it bulk out and look better with more upward shoots.

Robmarston · October 2021

@thevictorianzFH0qqPW. That’s very positive. 😊👍 thank you

Fairygirl · October 2021

I've moved clematis no problem @Robmarston. As yours has only been in a couple of years in there, it should be fine, but it's definitely worth cutting back. If you have the new hole prepped and you get as much root as possible, it shouldn't be a problem at all. Just do the usual things of keeping it watered until established.

Apparently, it's only Group 2s that are more dodgy, and much older plants. Cuttings would be more appropriate if that was the case. Good luck with it.

I've just noticed you have another one as well - the same would apply though, re moving. Make sure they're planted deep enough. It's only the early ones that don't need that extra depth on planting - it can see them off

Robmarston · October 2021

Thanks @Fairygirl and everyone else too. I feel a lot more confident about moving it now. I’ll cut it back as advised and hopefully I’ll get some flowers next year and a bit of that vigorous growth I keep hearing about 😊

Fairygirl · October 2021

All clematis take a while to establish and produce new stems from lower down, so don't expect too much from it, especially after it's been moved. Once it's well established, it should grow well.

Moving clematis armandii

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