Well, while they can be moved, I find clematis to not be the easiest if the plant is established for several years, because they have an extensive root system. A small plant moves easily though.

Well, it's small only because it hasn't done well in that location. It's been there a long time. I guess I have to decide if I want to take the risk in trying to move it. Thanks.

I just came in from the garden and the soil is too moist to move it today anyway, so I have time to think it over. I might be better off just buying a new one and adding it to the location I want it.

if its underperforming where you have it.. why not just try to move it .. and learn if it can be done..

and if you fail ... you go buy the new one .... and you are rid of the one that is irritating you .. lol ... there is some upside to that part of the equation ...

if its in full dormancy ... i dont see why it cant be done ... i dont see much difference between a C and any other dormant perennial ... besides ... if you go buy a new one in a pot.. how do you think it got there.. someone dug it up .. or at least planted it in the pot ...

ken

ps: i probably wouldnt mess with some huge old plant ... consistent with barron thoughts ...

Bo ahead and try it, digging out as many of the roots as possible. As Ken said, if it isn’t doing well where it is, what do you have to lose? Replant a bit deeper so stems are partly buried since that will encourage additional stem growth. Give it some alfalfa meal or pellets without salt.

Doesn't even need to be still fully dormant to move. I have transplanted mature clems in full leaf before (although I did cut them back substantially for ease of transport) and they barely blinked. But the rootball may indeed be larger (and deeper) than you expect so start digging out at a bit of a distance from the base. And follow Bab's excellent suggestions for getting the clem re-established in its new home.

You've all made a lot of sense. :-) Definitely going to move it - Ken is right, what do I have to lose. In it's current location, I'm lucky if I get 3-4 flowers a season. It's not like it's a rare variety. I also have some Alfalfa Meal that I can use. I probably won't do it today, but this week.

Thank you!

I forgot to ask, should I cut back the top, it's about 7ft up a trellis?

Yes, you can and it is likely best if you do. It is difficult to move without damaging a long vine. Leave at least a couple of bud pairs.

Great - thanks!

is it budding out???

sometimes.. we overthink this stuff ...

if you went to the store today ... and found one you liked.. what would it look like???

would it be 7 foot tall ... nooooo...

most likely it would be a 8 to 12 inch stick.. sticking out of the media ... with 3 to 5 buds coming out ... yes ...???

well.. then that is what yours should look like.. after you trim it back ...

it just isnt worth the aggravation and work to bother with the rest of it.. and that is why the pro's trim them that way ... its just easier ... time is money.. after all ...

ken

Very good point of reference to use, thanks.

Clematis can be cut back at will and multlple times during the growing season. This is done routinely with wholesale growers to keep the vines manageable for transport and sale. At most, all it will do is delay or interfer with flowering for that season.

I haven't moved it yet, as 3 new bare root roses arrived and I needed to work with those first, and I just went by the Clematis today and it's leafing out. From all the comments here, it would seem like I could just cut it back as I was going to and move it anyway. As you said, Gardengal, at most, maybe it won't bloom this year. That's fine too.

I have moved and even divided Clems in the spring without any problems. Just keep it watered.

That shouldn't be a problem, we've had a lot of rain and more in the forecast. [g]