The link below provides good information on growing clematis from cuttings. Generally speaking clematis grown from cuttings in water are weaker and not as vigorous as ones grown from cuttings using a rooting hormone and soil. I am playing around with attempting using a bonsai potting mixture and some water to start cuttings but this summer's heat is wreaking havoc with the cuttings. Layering stems from clematis is another way to start clematis from existing stems without actually cutting them off the vines.

Here is a link that might be useful: clematis from cuttings

Thanks nckvilledudes for the response.I have tried to grow in water with out much luck but I'll check out the link you provided. Thanks again, Tracy

Miguel, that's a great link for clematis propagation. Thank you.

I have done both layering and cuttings with the attitude of 'happy if they make it' and 'oh well' if they don't.

Cuttings in water requires patience -- and it's chancy. I hard pruned a group 3 this spring, and not wanting to throw the stems, decided to place them in water. Out of 10 cuttings, was able to root 5 of them. This is the best score that I have come up with. Making them grow is another issue. So far, one of those that I have potted seems to have said adios already.

I also broke a tender branch from Blue Angel last April. Feeling bad, I stuck it in a nearby pot. So far, it is still green after two months, but still no new growth. Hoping it is growing roots :)

And I have layered my Comtesse de Bouchaud using a thick lower branch, which stayed over winter. This seems the easiest since what emerged was a big plant which bloomed a lot the following year when I cut it off the mother plant.

I think progatioin is fun, and a lot of satisfaction if the clematis makes it.