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Moving clematis

Mrs GMrs G Posts: 336
in Problem solving

Is it ok to move clematis cirrhosa var. 'wisley cream' now?  It's in the wrong place but it is in flower now.  I have it growing up a metal pole so it will be quite easy to take down without damaging it.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    I ouldn't move anything while it's in flower and I think you'll find the roots of a clematis go really deep so you'll have difficulty digging them all out and successfully transplanting it.

    However, if you really must move it, cut the stems back to leave just 3 or 4 feet on each with some foliage.   Water the roots well and leave to saok for an hour then dig out as much of the root ball as you can.  Be prepared to go a couple of feet deep at least and quite wide.   Then take it to its new home which you should have prepared well in advance with a planting hole a bit deeper and plenty of good compost to feed and encurage new root formation.   Water thoroughly and give it plenty of feed next spring.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Mrs GMrs G Posts: 336

    Crumbs I haven't got the stamina for that at the minute (6 months pregnant) so I'll just leave it until I'm in better shape!  Thanks obelixx.

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    You could try taking some softwood cuttings in Spring as insurance, Mrs G.  I've found the cirrhosa types much easier to root than other clematis.  Details on how to take softwood cuttings here:

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=307

    No digging required! image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Mrs GMrs G Posts: 336

    Thanks Bob, I wouldn't mind having another anyway. image

     

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    There's also layering which is suppsoe dto be eaiser but you"d need patience.   Could try one or two now probably.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • LizyannLizyann Posts: 35

    Thank you for advice on this as I have a young clematis Guernsey ? To move into a new bed that I have got to dig and feed after my neighbour replaced a conifer hedge with a fence 

  • gardenninggrannygardenninggranny Posts: 803

    I'd leave the winter flowering one until the spring.  If it's in the wrong place I'd give it a go then anyway, after all, it's not going to cost a fortune to replace it if it doesn't survive (Wyevale usually have a 3 for £10 offer in the spring).  The other option is to plant some of the feathery seeds - the winter flowering ones seem to grow quite easily from seed.

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