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stu

By Stu

Cleveland, United Kingdom Gb

I have a Clematis - Polish Spirit - that is well established and has been in the ground for around 8 years or so. I cut it down each spring and it makes a lot of growth each year.

However, I would like to move it, so when would be the best time to dig it up to move it. I was thinking about a mild spell in January.




Answers

 

Yes, that sounds fine. The root system will be very large, possibly up to four feet deep, so cut it back, prepare the new planting hole well - mix a handful of bonemeal into the compost and soil - and try to dig out as much of the rootball as you can. Plant it deeper than it was, to give it a chance to produce more roots and shoots.

Good luck!

28 Jul, 2013

stu
Stu
 

Many thanks, I will certainly dig out as much of the root system as I can . . . . by the sound of it I might need a JCB!

28 Jul, 2013

 

A neighbour years ago whose garden was all Clematises
used to preach 'Never move a Clematis they dont like
root disturbance. '
I moved a Jackmanii that was 2 years old. It was fine.
Just passing his wisdom on.

29 Jul, 2013

 

I had a clematis that I moved a few years ago because it was doing very well where I first planted it and now it has come along great in it's new site, but I must say that it did take a little while to get established.

29 Jul, 2013

stu
Stu
 

Many thanks for your replies. In the past I bought several Clematis from Beamish Clematis nursery near Chester-le-Street - they are now closed & retired.

The owner once said to me that if a Clematis that has been in a pot for sometime and is root bound, take it out in January and saw off the bottom quarter of the root ball then put fresh compost in the bottom of the pot and re-plant it. He called it Irish pruning!

29 Jul, 2013

 

Would it be worthwhile taking a few cuttings for 'insurance'? You could always pass them on to friends/ neighbours or good causes if the move is successful.

29 Jul, 2013

How do I say thanks?

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