When would be best to transplant Clematis ,spring or fall?
Transplant Clematis
I would ask this in the clematis discussion. There are some real experts there and I have learned quite a lot by reading.
Personally I would transplant in fall.
Clems don't take too kindly to moving. If I had to, I would choose fall.
i moved three last fall and all survived - in fact one i must have missed some of one and it has come up in the old place as well, it is rouge cardinal - go figure - i am going to let it grow into jm burning embers.
i also have what i believe is a volunteer clem that has popped up in a bed i expanded - it must have been in the new dirt - this one does need to be moved a few feet closer to a vib although it will be tough since i have no clue how deep it's roots are.
I would say since they don't like being disturbed that the younger the plant is the better and it should be dormant and since you need to cut back the foliage I would do it in late winter or early spring just as the ground defrosts. I think either time would work as long as the plant was fully dormant. They can have very large roots if it is a mature plant so a big rootball may be needed and an even bigger hole in the new location.
after moving the one left here from the prior owner... it took a year or two to rebound .. but I did it in fall as well