Northeast Gardening: Clematis, 1 by Sarahskeeper

Sarahskeeper wrote:
I take a robust branch, lay it on the ground (someplace I can easily dig up next spring) and place a stone at every leaf junction to hold it against the soil. As it grows I add another stone on the next leaf junction, until mid July.
Next spring I cut the stem off the mother plant and snip between stones. Most leaf junctions will have roots below them. These will be long white roots about the same thickness as the stem. Carefully dig them up (go deep), plant each in a deep 6 inch pot. Keep the roots shaded and damp but the growing tops in the sun. They may bloom that first year. Plant in their permanent location either that fall or the next spring.
It takes time but they are free and you know exactly what you are getting.
PS: The Polish Spirit is a great FIRST Clematis because it's easy and vigorous.
Andy P