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The inimitable and incomparable clematis continues to win the hearts of flower growers. Increasingly, it can be found in household plots. Its luxurious flowers adorn gazebos and attics, arches and fences. The variety of varieties and species of this marvelous plant is growing every year.
With the advent of spring, every grower tries to propagate existing flowers or grow new varieties of flowers. Before propagating clematis, it is important to familiarize yourself with the information about what methods of reproduction exist, and what rules must be followed, so that in a year or two the site is full of an abundance of colors and flowers.
Origin and varieties
The first mention of clematis dates back to the XNUMXth century. They began to grow it in Western Europe, in the XNUMXth century. The name of the flower in Greek means “climbing plant”. And clematis justifies this word, since almost all species and varieties are vines.
The wide distribution of clematis began after the flower exhibition, which took place in 1860. G. Zhakman presented the first hybrid to flower growers, which was later named after the English gardener. The popularity of this type of flower does not fade to this day.
The genus of clematis includes about 265 species and more than 2000 varieties. Depending on the variety, the height of the plant can reach 18-20 m, however, some types of flowers have erect stems and grow no higher than 1-1,2 m. The size and color of the inflorescences range from 1-25 cm.
A variety of colors and shapes of flowers can amaze even the most sophisticated flower growers. Clematis foliage also has a variety of shapes depending on the species. Plants are so unpretentious that they can grow in almost any climatic conditions. The only exception is Antarctica.
Thanks to Lomonosy, you can decorate any personal plot with bright, fragrant flowers. And about when and how clematis breeds, you will learn from the article.
Methods of reproduction
Clematis is an unpretentious plant. The variety of new varieties and hybrids has significantly increased the number of flower propagation methods. Most of the hybrids reproduce mainly by vegetative methods, which guarantee the preservation of the species and varietal characteristics of the original plant. Clematis can be propagated:
- cuttings (green or woody);
- division of the bush;
- rooting layering;
- seeds;
- vaccination.
Each method has its pros and cons. The first three methods are the simplest and most effective. But vaccination is a rather troublesome method that requires special skills. Most often, it is used by professionals for grafting rare, hybrid varieties of clematis.
Growing Clematis from seeds
Clematis seeds are propagated extremely rarely and only species and small-flowered varieties. Breeders also use this method when creating new hybrid varieties.
Clematis seeds are of three types:
- Small. Germinate within 3,5-4 months, high percentage of germination.
- Seeds of medium size. The first signs of germination appear only after 1,5-6 months, depending on the type of plant. They grow together and evenly.
- When sowing large clematis seeds, you will have to be patient, since the first shoots can be seen only after a year. Uneven germination and low germination of seeds of this group are noted.
When propagating clematis by seeds at home, the composition of the soil is of great importance. Light, loose, fertile – these are the main requirements for the soil. The ideal composition is earth and sand in a ratio of 2: 1.
Containers with drainage holes are filled with soil prepared in advance. Seeds are laid out on the surface in increments of 4-5 cm, which are covered with a thin layer of sand. The thickness of the top layer should not exceed the diameter of the seed, multiplied by three.
Planting should be watered by sprinkling methods. A sprayer or a small strainer is perfect for this purpose. When propagating clematis with seeds, containers should be in a warm, ventilated area.
Follow-up care is regular watering.
Division of the bush
It is desirable to propagate clematis by dividing the bush in autumn, in mid-late September. This is due to the fragility of the kidneys, which in the spring easily break off and crumble after transplantation. In autumn, after flowering, the plant has sufficient reserves and easily tolerates the process of division.
This simple event will not take you much time and effort and will allow you to save all the varietal characteristics of flowers. The algorithm for dividing a clematis bush is as follows:
- Carefully, trying not to damage the root system, dig up a bush and put it in the shade for 2-3 hours. Fragile roots will wilt a little during this time, and will not break.
- Rinse the roots well in warm water to wash away the soil.
- With a sharp, disinfected garden knife, divide the bush into equal parts. Each division should consist of 2-3 healthy, full-fledged shoots and adventitious roots.
- Delenki are kept in a pink solution of potassium permanganate for 2-2,5 hours, and then planted in a permanent place.
Propagated by dividing the bush is necessary only healthy clematis. This method is ideal for propagating flowers that are at least 4-6 years old.
The author of the video will share with you the secrets of the correct propagation of clematis by dividing the bush:
Cutting
Reproduction of clematis by cuttings is the easiest, most affordable and effective method that allows you to immediately get a large amount of planting material. On average, the rooting result of green and lignified cuttings is at least 90-95%, provided that all the recommendations of experienced flower growers are followed.
Clematis can be propagated by both green and lignified cuttings. The meaning of this method is to cut the required amount of planting material and create favorable conditions for rooting. Clematis cuttings are rooted in water or in suitable soil.
Green cuttings are cut from the side shoots of the growing plant. When cutting the material, please note that there should be no buds on the selected shoot. Remove the top of the shoot, and cut the rest of the clematis branch into equal cuttings. Each cutting should have 2 internodes.
Lignified cuttings are cut before the plant enters the budding phase or at the end of flowering. The requirements for planting material are identical, as with the propagation of clematis with green cuttings.
The lower cut on the handle should be oblique and located 2-3 mm below the internode, the upper cut should be straight, at a distance of 1-1,5 cm above the upper internode. The upper leaf plates are cut off by 2/3, the lower pair of leaves is cut off completely.
The lower part of the clematis cuttings must be immediately processed in a stimulator for the formation and active growth of the root system. Further actions depend on the rooting method you choose.
Rooting in water
If you decide to root a clematis cutting in water, select a container that is suitable in size in advance. The main condition: only the lower part of the cuttings should be in the water. Containers with planting material should be placed in a dark place. Window sills located on the sunny side are completely unsuitable for this purpose.
Water in containers with cuttings must be changed 2-3 times a week. The first signs of the formation of a root system on clematis cuttings during reproduction at home should appear no earlier than a month and a half later.
Subsequently, the cuttings, in which the roots grow up to 4-5 cm, are transplanted into prepared soil, into separate containers, and grown at home until planted in open ground.
Rooting in the ground
Soil for clematis cuttings at home must be prepared in advance. The optimal soil mixture consists of:
- earth – 2 hours;
- sand – 1 hour;
- peat – 1 hour
If desired, you can add a small portion of perlite to the soil. Disinfect the soil in any way convenient for you. Lay a five-centimeter layer of sand on top of the prepared soil.
Clematis cuttings cut and processed in a growth stimulator are planted at an angle of 30˚-40˚. The lower buds are buried no more than 1 cm. When planting cuttings with one node, the rate of penetration is identical.
Containers with clematis cuttings must be placed in a shaded place. The room must be regularly ventilated so that the plants receive a sufficient amount of clean air.
Particular attention should be paid to soil moisture. Before the first signs of rooting appear, plantings are sprayed at least 3-5 times a day from a spray bottle with warm water. Subsequently, this procedure can be abandoned. Rooted clematis seedlings are provided with proper care until transplanted into open ground.
After the appearance of the first young sprouts, transfer the containers with flowers to a lighted place.
Propagation by cuttings
This method of propagation of clematis is ideal for both beginners and busy flower growers. Ease of execution, the ability to obtain several healthy rooted seedlings at once with minimal labor costs – these are its main advantages.
Any type and variety of clematis can be propagated by layering. Rooted seedlings perfectly retain all the varietal and species characteristics of the mother bush. Moreover, this method is ideal for propagating hybrid clematis varieties.
When propagating clematis by layering, there are no special requirements and recommendations regarding the variety or timing for work in the garden. It is desirable that the age of the bush was at least three years. The algorithm of actions will look like this:
- dig a shallow groove from the bush in an arbitrary direction;
- place the shoot in it and pin it with U-shaped wire studs, leaving the top 7-10 cm above the ground;
- carefully fill the groove with soil and water.
Most importantly, do not forget to water the groove regularly. The soil must always be moist. After 2-3 months, the first shoots of young seedlings will appear. Let them get stronger a little, and only then transplant to a permanent place.
The author of the video will tell you more about how to propagate clematis by layering in the spring.
When can you cut flowers
To the question: when it is possible to start clematis cuttings – in spring, summer, or autumn – there is no definite answer. You can root cuttings of flowers all year round. Only one feature should be taken into account – it will take at least 4-6 months to get a full-fledged seedling.
This factor is of great importance when choosing a method for propagating clematis, as well as the conditions under which the planting material will take root. In spring and early summer, cuttings can be planted in open ground, on a specially equipped garden bed. By autumn, the root system will already be formed, and under cover the plant will calmly endure the winter frosts.
In the second half of summer and autumn, clematis should be propagated by cuttings at home. Until spring, the seedlings will take root, grow up, and in the spring they can be safely planted in open ground. In addition, in the autumn preparation of bushes for winter, you can use cut vines for subsequent reproduction.
You can start propagating clematis by layering in spring or early autumn. In the first version, rooted seedlings are planted in a permanent place in early to mid-autumn, in the second – in spring.
Clematis seeds can be propagated at home at any time of the year.
Flower care rules
With any method of propagation of clematis, the state of the planting material and the final result entirely depend on the further care of the plantings. Seedlings and cuttings should be watered regularly, at least 2-3 times a week.
No more than 1-2 times a month, flowers should be fed with nitrogen fertilizers or complex mineral supplements. From time to time, gently loosen the soil around the flowers, try not to damage the delicate root system of clematis.
Maintain optimal indoor conditions for growing flowers:
- air humidity at the level of 30-50%;
- air temperature within +18˚С +24˚С;
- regular ventilation.
If you follow all the recommendations, in a few months your garden will have a few more clematis bushes.
How to root clematis cuttings in the open field, you will learn from the video
Conclusion
Now you know how to grow clematis from cuttings, and also got acquainted with other ways of propagating this beautiful and luxurious flower. With a minimum of effort, you will soon be able to proudly enjoy the fruits of your labors, and your personal plot will turn into a small corner of paradise.