How to plant clematis

Many gardeners are wondering which method of breeding clematis is the most effective and requires the least special skills and efforts. In addition to the seed propagation method of clematis, there is also cuttings, propagation by layering, and also by dividing the bush. The latter method is not only simple, but also gives quick results. The division of the bush is ideal for clematis due to their extensive root system - when dividing it, completely independent and viable plants are obtained.
Only adult clematis are suitable for this breeding method, however, their age should not exceed 7 years. The fact is that the root system of a given plant is characterized by rapid rates of development: the older it becomes, the more its roots branch and lengthen, and over time it is more and more difficult to separate them without harming the bush. The division of clematis bushes older than 7 years is fraught with damage to the root processes, which can adversely affect the condition of the plant.

Dividing the clematis bush not only allows you to get new specimens of this culture, but also to rejuvenate old plants that have lost their decorative qualities during the growth process. The tightly woven roots of an adult clematis gradually lose the ability to receive the necessary amount of moisture and nutrients, since not enough soil is placed between them. Separation of old clematis bushes will improve their nutrition, make the flowering abundant and generally improve the plants.

When can you divide clematis bushes

The optimal time for breeding clematis by dividing the bush is spring and autumn. In spring, the procedure should be started immediately after the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw. It is important to have time to carry out the division before the start of active sap flow, when the shoots and buds begin to grow. Experienced gardeners prefer the autumn division of clematis bushes, since the favorable period for this procedure does not have such a rigid framework. In addition, clematis bushes separated in autumn adapt faster and in their development are almost 3 weeks ahead of the cuttings obtained in spring.

Instructions for dividing clematis bushes

For reproduction of clematis by the method of dividing the bush, an adult plant under the age of 7 years, with a branched root system and a large number of aerial shoots, is suitable.

Bush digging method

Before digging the clematis bush chosen for dividing, it is necessary to shorten all its shoots, leaving no more than 3 buds on the segments. After that, the bush can be dug out without destroying the earthen lump that protects its root system. At this point, it is important not to tear the root shoots and not harm the root collar of the bush. The earth that forms a ball around the roots of clematis should be gently shaken off. If it is difficult to do this, you can clean the root shoots with a water jet from a hose. Then the bush is divided in the center with a sharp knife in such a way that full-fledged divisions are obtained with a sufficient number of roots. It is also mandatory to have at least one renewal bud on each of the new clematis bushes.

After dividing, new clematis bushes are planted in pre-prepared holes, partially filled with a nutritious soil mixture. The depth should be such that the level of the first shoot node is at a depth of at least 10 cm.

Partial digging

You can divide the clematis bush without completely removing its roots from land... To do this, you need to dig a hole from one side in the ground at least 0.5 m deep, while exposing part of the root system of the bush. The dug out part of the roots should be separated from the main system with a knife so that separate bushes with shoots and roots are obtained. For further planting, only healthy and strong cuttings are suitable, therefore it is necessary to inspect the planting material, as well as to pre-process the roots. To do this, you need to cut them a little, soak them in a solution of potassium permanganate of low concentration.

Ways to rejuvenate adult clematis

In order to rejuvenate an adult clematis bush, it is not necessary to dig up its roots, exposing them to the risk of damage. There is a more gentle way of plant rejuvenation associated with the use of a garden drill. With its help, holes are made in the ground near the clematis bush (you should step back a little from its central part), directed towards the roots along an inclined line. The holes should be deep and wide enough - using a conventional scrap instead of a drill is possible, but will not give the desired result. The holes left by them will have to be expanded to the desired size in order to provide sufficient space for manipulation of replacing the earth and removing the root shoots of clematis. If the roots break during the drilling process, remove their scraps along with the earth. In the resulting holes, you need to place fresh soil fertilized with mineral fertilizers, vermicompost, compost, humus. At the end of the procedure, the ground around
clematis bushes must be thoroughly shed with water. Breaking the roots will not damage the system: young shoots will begin to actively appear in their place. Applying a nutritious potting mix and watering abundantly will help them grow more intensively. By next year, the old clematis bush will be updated and bloom profusely. This procedure is recommended every five years to keep clematis healthy.
Maintaining the required moisture level in the soil is very important for the active development of the clematis root system. In order for moisture to remain in the soil longer and evenly distributed between the roots, you can dig 2 or 3 volumetric containers filled with gravel around the bush. This simple method is effective for regulating soil moisture in the beds.