Clematis: Clematis chat for 2012 - Happy New Year!, 0 by pirl

pirl wrote:
Annette - you did so well for the first day of the year. I hope to get out for an hour tomorrow to continue cutting back plants that have gone dormant. That's great news on Josephine and she is a beauty. My opinion is that the pine needle mulch really does a great job of keeping the soil temperature more constant and keeping the soil damp enough that it does encourage layering. We will also be getting those few days of nasty cold weather this week so you are not alone. We have daffodils at 3" tall already so the cold should halt the growth, which will resume without a problem in spring.

Hi Teresa! Do you know the name of that clematis or the pruning class? Just be careful as you cut it back. Sure, they don't look great in winter but that is the price we pay for when the clematises are in full bloom. (Hydrangeas are not exactly thrilling in winter either!) Check at each bud to make sure you're not cutting off good growth. If it's lanky and really distressing to you then you could cut it back but try and find out the pruning class before you do it.

Layering is easiest. Just lightly scratch the leaf bud where you will be hoping for roots. Lay it down in a hole you've prepared with manure and compost, then water and add more compost on top and a brick to weigh it down would be a big help. Just post if you have more questions or if I've not been clear enough on what to do.