Clematis Forum Question

9 years ago

We live in west central Illinois. We moved a Clematis Jackmanii to a new location last fall. it is now located in the front of our house which faces SOUTH.

As of right now...March 12 2017....., There are at least 20 shoots coming up, most about 12 to 14 inches long, about 1/4 inch diameters.

It has a trellis to climb on.

HOW MANY OF THE SHOOTS SHOULD I KEEP AND HOW MANY SHOULD I JUST CUT OFF AND DISCARD...OR TRY TO START CUTTINGS?

Thanks for any help, comments or suggestions

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

9 years ago

Shoots coming from the root crown? You don't want to cut those off - it's the equivalent of cutting branches off a tree. Those shoots support the top growth that will feed the root system. If you like, you can peg a couple of the exterior shoots down and layer the vine to propagate. Much easier than taking cutting.

Multiple shoots coming from the root crown is what clematis growers aim for when planting deeply initially and when cutting back hard the first season or two. It indicates a strong healthy root system and an ability to greater withstand disease and damage to the vine, like critters nibbling on the stems, wind damage, breakage from cultivation in the area, etc. They are a good thing and to be encouraged, not removed.

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Comments (7)

Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
9 years ago
I hope someone else chimes in here but I certainly wouldn't cut off any shoots ! 20 sounds like you are in for a great show this summer !!! I really could be wrong but I think you start cuttings after it blooms but I would read about it . Please share pics when it blooms ! What a great clematis:)
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NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The more shoots you have, the more vines and therefore the more places for flower buds to form. Hooray! Sounds like it's happy in its current spot. I might put a mulch doughnut around the plant to help keep the soil moisture even (not against the stems, though) and pay attention to the moisture for this summer since it sounds like it is in more sun than previously.
aluvaboy
9 years ago
Apart from the good suggestions above I would also pinch off the tip of the top nodes of some of the new shoots. This will force the plant to branch out creating more stems with more buds and eventually more flowers.
eliway999
Original Author
9 years ago
thanks for the replies. I am glad i posted this, because i for certain would have cut some of these back. i will now see that each 'shoot" is saved, and will find a place for each of them on the trellis they are planted by. And i will take aluvaboys' suggestion and pinch off the top node of 5 of these shoots and keep notes on how they fare relative to all the others. Also i will mulch around the area to help conserve moisture. Thanks again to everyone for the comments and suggestions!!
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
9 years ago
You know you'll need to post of photo of it in all its 20-stem glory with gazillions of flowers this summer, right? :^)
aluvaboy
9 years ago
eliway999,

This clematis is an addictive plant. I started off with a few and now I have close to fifty different types. Now running out of space although I have an acre of property. Wishing you all success and welcome to the clematis forum. And please post pictures when possible. That is what keeps the forum alive!