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That perfect spot we select for our plants doesnt always work out. Some plants, like hostas, seem to benefit from a brutal uprooting and root disturbance; they’ll spring back quickly and flourish as new plants throughout your flower bed. Clematis, however, does not like to be messed with once it has rooted, even if it is struggling where it is. Continue reading to learn how to transplant clematis successfully.
Clematis vines are beautiful additions to any garden with their gorgeous blooms. However sometimes you may need to transplant an established clematis vine to a new location due to any number of reasons – relocating poor performance in its current spot, changes in sunlight exposure, etc. Transplanting mature clematis can be stressful for the plant, so timing is crucial for success. In this article, we’ll go over when the best time is to transplant clematis vines and how to do it properly.
Why Transplanting Clematis is Tricky
Clematis develop extensive root systems once established in a location Their preference is to be left undisturbed once planted Any disruption to their roots is traumatic for clematis. Even with special care taken during transplanting, the process will be very stressful and shock the plant.
It often takes about a year for a relocated clematis vine to recover and resume proper growth and blooming. Patience is required, as meager growth and few flowers may be seen in the first season after transplanting. Proper timing of the move reduces stress levels for clematis and helps ensure the transplant will ultimately be successful.
The Best Time to Transplant Clematis
When considering when is the optimal time to transplant clematis vines, focus on periods when the plant is dormant or semi-dormant:
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Early Spring – The very best time to transplant clematis is in early spring when buds are just beginning to swell and show green. This coincides with the plant awakening from winter dormancy but before active new growth has started for the season.
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Fall – September or early October, when the plant is going dormant for winter but before the first frost, is another good option. Transplanting must be completed early enough that the roots have time to establish before cold weather sets in. Generally no later than October 1st.
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Summer – Transplanting during active growth in summer should be avoided if possible. However, if emergency relocation is required, choose a cool, cloudy, low-stress day and provide shade for the clematis after replanting. Cut back the vines significantly before digging up the roots.
The takeaway is that transplanting during dormancy or right at the cusp of dormancy ending or starting is ideal as it minimizes disruption to the plant.
How to Transplant Clematis Vines
When the time comes to move your clematis, use this step-by-step process for the best results:
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Dig and prepare the new planting hole first. Make it larger than usual to accommodate the extensive root system. Amend the soil with compost.
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Trim back clematis top growth to 1-2 feet from the ground before digging it up. This reduces transplant shock.
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Dig wide and deep around the plant to get as much of the root ball as possible. The larger the root mass stayed intact, the better.
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Place the roots immediately in a bucket of water dosed with a root stimulator product to reduce stress. Let soak for an hour or more.
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Move the clematis in its water bath to the new hole. Position in the hole and backfill with amended soil, firming the soil around the roots. Plant a bit deeper than before.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting. Apply mulch. Expect minimal growth for a year as the plant recovers. Be patient!
The most important aspects are retaining a large root ball, keeping the roots moistened, and timing the transplant when the plant is dormant. Follow this advice and your clematis has a high chance of surviving the move!
Transplanting Container Grown Clematis
For clematis growing in pots, follow a similar process but with a few tweaks:
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Repot in early spring before growth resumes.
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Water the plant thoroughly a day before repotting.
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Carefully remove from the old pot. Gently tease apart any heavily circled roots.
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Transplant into fresh potting mix amended with compost, burying the root ball a bit deeper than before.
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Prune back stems by half if the roots were sparse when removed from the old pot.
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Water newly repotted plants with a seaweed extract solution to reduce stress.
Get clematis established in their new containers before active growth starts. With extra care given to the roots and proper timing, your potted clematis should transplant successfully!
Be Patient for Full Recovery
Regardless of time of year, relocating an established clematis vine shocks the plant and sets it back as it copes with root damage and adapts to its new setting. Don’t expect much growth or many flowers in the first year after transplanting. Proper preparation of the planting site, keeping the root system intact, generous watering, and timing the move just right will all help get your clematis back on its feet on a timeline of about 1 year. Observe proper care in the seasons after transplanting and soon your clematis will be thriving once again!
Can I Transplant A Clematis?
Replanting a clematis vine requires a little extra work and patience. Once rooted, a clematis will struggle if it is uprooted. Sometimes, replanting a clematis vine is necessary because of a move, home improvement or just because the plant is not growing well in its present location. Even with special care, transplanting will be very stressful for the clematis and you can expect it to take about a year for the plant to recover from this trauma. Be patient and don’t panic if you dont see much growth or improvement in the clematis for the first season as it settles in its new location.
When to Move Clematis Vines
Clematis vines grow best in moist, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Their vines, leaves, and flowers need at least six hours of sun each day, but their roots need to be shaded. If your clematis is struggling from too much shade or suffering in a location with acidic soil, and soil amendments like limestone or wood ash have not helped, it may be time to move your clematis to a better location. The best time for clematis transplanting is in spring, just as the plant is waking up from winter. Sometimes because of unexpected events, its not possible to wait until spring to transplant clematis. In such a case, make sure you do not transplant your clematis on a hot, dry, sunny day, as this will only stress the plant and make the transition harder for it. Fall is another acceptable time for replanting a clematis vine. Just be sure to do it early enough in the fall so that the roots will have time to settle in before winter. Generally, like evergreens, you shouldnt plant or transplant clematis any later than October 1.
When replanting a clematis vine, dig the hole it will be going in. Make sure its wide and deep enough to accommodate all the roots you can get. Break up the dirt that you’ll be refilling the hole with and mix in some organic material, like worm castings or sphagnum peat moss. You can also mix in some garden lime, if you are concerned about acidic soil. Next, depending on how long your clematis has been planted and how much roots you can expect, fill a large pail or wheelbarrow halfway full of water to put the clematis in when you dig it up. If possible, you should transport it to its new location in this water. I swear by root stimulators, like Root & Grow, when I transplant anything. Adding a root stimulator to the water in the pail or wheelbarrow will help reduce the transplant shock for your clematis. Trim your clematis back to one to two feet from the ground. This may cause you to have to wait even longer for certain species to return to their former glory, but it will also make it easier to transport and direct the plant’s energy to the roots, not the vines. Then, dig widely around the clematis to maintain as much of the root as you can. As soon as they are dug up, get the roots into the water and root stimulator. If youre not going far, let the clematis sit in the water and root stimulator for a little while. Then place the roots in the hole and slowly fill with your soil mix. Be sure to tamp the soil down around the roots to prevent air pockets. When replanting a clematis vine, plant it a little deeper than you would normally plant things. The crown and base shoots of clematis will actually benefit from being sheltered under a loose layer of soil. Now all that’s left to do is water and wait patiently as your clematis slowly adjusts to its new home.
When is the best time to Transplant or Move a Clematis Vine
FAQ
Can you dig up a clematis and replant it?
Replanting a clematis vine requires a little extra work and patience. Once rooted, a clematis will struggle if it is uprooted. Sometimes, replanting a clematis vine is necessary because of a move, home improvement or just because the plant is not growing well in its present location.
Do clematis like sun or shade?
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Most Clematis prefer full sun:For optimal flowering, most clematis varieties need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
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Some varieties tolerate partial shade:Certain clematis, like ‘Nelly Moser’, ‘Henryii’, and some alpine varieties, can grow and bloom in partial shade, though flowering might be less abundant.
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Shade-tolerant varieties:Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala are known for their ability to tolerate shade.
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Considerations for planting in shade:If planting in shade, choose a shade-tolerant variety and ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
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Clematis roots prefer shade:While the vine itself needs sun, the roots benefit from being shaded, so planting them near a structure or other plants that provide shade can be beneficial.
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Mulch:A thick layer of mulch around the base of the clematis can help keep the roots cool and moist.
What month can you transplant clematis?
If possible, move your clematis in the very early spring – as soon as it starts to show any green buds. You CAN move a clematis later in the year, but the plant will experience more stress. If you have to move your clematis after it has done some growing, cut the top back to 1 to 2 feet tall.
What is the best month to plant clematis?
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Spring Planting:
- Ideal Timing: Early spring, when the soil is still moist and warm, but not too hot, is generally the best time.
- Why Spring? This allows the clematis to establish its roots before the summer heat arrives, giving it a good chance to thrive.
- Considerations: Ensure the soil is well-draining and amend it with compost or other organic matter.
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Fall Planting:
- Ideal Timing: Early to mid-fall, when the weather is cooler and the soil is still moist.
- Why Fall? This gives the clematis time to establish its roots before the winter months.
- Considerations: Protect the roots from freezing, especially in colder climates.
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Summer Planting:
- Possible, but requires extra care: You can plant clematis in summer, but you’ll need to water them more frequently to help them establish well.
- Why Summer is Risky: The summer heat can dry out the soil, making it difficult for the roots to establish.
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General Tips for Planting Clematis:
- Choose the right location: Clematis need plenty of space and a location with good air circulation.
- Dig a large hole: The hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball.
- Amend the soil: Add compost, granular organic fertilizer, or well-rotted manure to the planting hole.
- Water well: Water the newly planted clematis thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
When should I move my Clematis?
Let’s talk transplanting: Technically, you can move your clematis at any time of year. But if you want to reduce the chances of transplant shock, do it in the late winter or early spring before the buds start to emerge. Second best is in the fall after the vine goes dormant, when the ground is still workable.
When should I transplant a clematis vine?
If you find yourself in need of transplanting a Clematis vine, pay attention to the season and the current growth phase of the plant. You will want to transplant your vine during its dormant phase. Make the move in late fall when plant has died back for the year or early spring before plant has started growing for the season.
How do you treat a clematis transplant shock?
Adding a root stimulator to the water in the pail or wheelbarrow will help reduce the transplant shock for your clematis. Trim your clematis back to one to two feet from the ground.
Can Clematis be transplanted?
Moving Your Clematis 1. The best time to transplant a clematis is when it is dormant because it is asleep, thus causing less stress on its root system. 2. The ideal weather to transplant is when it is cool and overcast. Do not plant during hot or windy periods. If this can’t be avoided, provide some shading after planting. 3.
When should I plant Clematis?
Generally, like evergreens, you shouldn’t plant or transplant clematis any later than October 1. When replanting a clematis vine, dig the hole it will be going in. Make sure it’s wide and deep enough to accommodate all the roots you can get.
How long does Clematis take to grow after a transplant?
Clematis may take a while to completely recover from a transplant and resume their normal growth rate. Don’t expect to see rapid growth during the year after transplanting. Within 2 to 3 years after transplanting, your plant should resume its normal growth habits. This also means that you may not see flowers for a year or two after transplanting.