Gardening & Outdoors
Cottage gardener shows how to turn one Clematis plant into many with a simple cutting
It's incredible how many free plants you can get from a simple snip.
Michael Dabu
07.12.24

If you’ve ever wanted to expand your garden with more beautiful Clematis Montana Grandiflora, this guide is for you.

This step-by-step process will show you how simple it is to clone these plants by taking cuttings.

You’ll need a few materials like cutting compost, rooting gel, and some basic tools.

With a little effort, you can grow numerous new plants essentially for free.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

To start, gather the necessary materials.

You’ll need seed and cutting compost mixed with perlite in a 50/50 ratio, which provides a well-draining medium ideal for rooting cuttings.

Prepare small pots for planting the cuttings.

Rooting hormone gel, like Clonex, helps stimulate root growth.

Additionally, you’ll need scissors for cutting the vine and a dibbler to make holes in the compost.

Don’t forget to have some water on hand to pre-moisten the compost and a cup of coffee to enjoy while you work.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

Begin by preparing the compost.

Mix the seed compost and perlite in a tub to ensure an even distribution.

Fill the small pots with this mixture, tapping them gently to settle the medium.

It’s crucial to pre-moisten the compost before inserting the cuttings to provide an ideal environment for root development.

A thorough watering will ensure the compost is ready to support the new cuttings.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

Next, select a suitable vine for taking cuttings.

Look for a long vine that isn’t too tangled, as this will make handling and cutting easier.

Using sharp scissors, cut the vine close to the main plant.

This helps the main plant heal more quickly and encourages new growth.

Aim for a healthy, robust vine that will produce strong cuttings.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
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YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

Now it’s time to prepare the cutting itself.

Cut just above a leaf node and remove one of the leaves to reduce moisture loss.

This helps the cutting conserve energy and increases the chances of successful rooting.

Dip the end of the cutting into the rooting hormone gel, ensuring it is well-coated.

This step is vital as the hormone stimulates root development and increases the success rate of the cuttings.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

Planting the cuttings is straightforward.

Make a hole in the pre-moistened compost with the dibbler and insert the cutting.

Ensure the leaves do not touch the sides of the pot to prevent rot.

Continue this process along the length of the vine, repeating the steps for each section.

This method allows you to maximize the number of new plants you can grow from a single vine.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

Once all your cuttings are planted, place the pots into a propagation tub.

The tub should be kept in a location that does not receive direct sunlight, as this can dry out the cuttings and inhibit root growth.

Ensure there is enough space for air circulation around the leaves to prevent any fungal issues.

Proper placement in the tub is crucial for the health of your cuttings.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

Maintaining the correct propagation conditions is key.

The cuttings should take about a month to root, so patience is required.

During this time, keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and monitor the environment to ensure it remains suitable for rooting.

Avoid placing the propagation tub in direct sunlight, as the intense light can be detrimental to the young cuttings.

YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden
Source:
YouTube - The Cornish Cottage Garden

With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to successfully propagating Clematis Montana Grandiflora.

Not only will you have more of these lovely plants to enjoy, but you’ll also gain the satisfaction of knowing you grew them yourself.

By following this guide, you can clone many new plants, adding to the beauty and abundance of your garden without much expense.

Happy gardening!

See how to get a hoard of free clematis plants from a single cutting below!

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