clematis cuttings

[Plotlady]

Can anyone tell me how/when to take cuttings from a Clematis Montana? I have a very healthy one which I would like to propegate for a friend. Thanks

[poozie]

I think you are mean't to propegate by layering a stem, pinning it into mud but I have never tried this.

[Snadger]

I seem to remember that they don't root below a leaf node like 'normal plants' but root inter nodal? Layering or getting a long piece and wrapping it around your hand to cause numerous breaks and burying it just below the compost is one method that I recall being mentioned for propagation somewhere?

[pigletwillie]

Internodal is right Snadger. Montana are quite easy to do.

Remove a few 3ft shoots from a healthy plant.
Divide the shoot with a knife, cutting above a leaf joint and 2in below it.
Remove a leaf from each cutting, leaving just 1.
Dip cut end in hormone rooting powder.
Fill a pot with compost and insert several cuttings around the edge - the leaf joint should be level with the surface.
Water and cover with a clear plastic bag, held in place with an elastic band.
Put in cool, light place.
Cuttings should root within a few weeks, when they are ready to grow on in individual pots.

[Plotlady]

Thanks ever so much everyone. I think I'll try your method Piglet, I'll let you know how I get on. Ciao!

[Two_Sheds]

I've never got a clematis to root - I think I've been doing them at the wrong time of year (summer instead of spring) and using too-soft material which just rots.
I'm going to have another go using the method that PW describes, and also here