I yanked several unknown clematis out today when weeding. They had been in the ground for many years, but I hadn't taken good care of them. I didn't mean to pull them out, though!
What should I do now? Can I replant them? Take cuttings and root the cuttings? Some are woody at the base.
Thanks!
I yanked up clematis today!
I'm not expert, but are the roots still intact? I would think that as long as the plant is not damaged you could re-plant it.
Nope, no roots. I'm not sure I left any in the ground, either. The area was overwhelmed with weeds (henbit) which were a little sticky, and it was hard to separate out the clematis. In some cases I failed! I've now read up on this on the internet, and it sounds as if rooting clematis can be a challenge. But I'm giving it a try.
Here is a great link to help with cuttings:
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~JN7H-OONM/contents/cuttings_e.html
That link is really helpful. Thank you!
Devon:
Did they ever bloom for you? Can you describe the blooms? If they have been in your garden for several years, then I would think their root system would be quite developed. I would mulch and water where you pulled out the stems. They probably will come back with time. Just be patient and keep pampering where they had been growing.
If you want to try rooting the stems you pulled out, then follow the excellent link that jlp222 provided. Spring is the best time for rooting Clematis because of the new growth they produce.
Hopefully, all your due diligence will pay off.
Shirley: Great to hear from you! I am so embarrassed to say I never paid much attention to them -- they were in an area of the yard that needed work, but I had ignored it (too much else to do in the yard). At one point they were supposed to vine around a rose vine, but at this point that area is definitely in need of work. I can barely remember the color (I think they were pink and white), and certainly not enough to ID them. I'm hoping the root system is intact -- not much root pulled out, but then again just poking a tiny bit I didn't see any so if a crown is needed for the vine to resprout, I'm probably out of luck. The area was completely overrun with a thick layer of dead nettle (I said henbit above, but after more hunting I think it was dead nettle), which sort of stuck to the clematis vines. I couldn't even see where it was that the clematis was pulled out of the dirt.
Unfortunately, before looking at that VERY helpful link, I cut the vine into one-node pieces (I was trying not to overstress the cuttings), so now I'm dubious that they will root since the article says two-node cuttings are easier to root.
I got a bunch of clematis last year in a co-op, so I have plenty to replace it with if need be -- I just feel pretty cruel to have done-in an established plant!
I accidentally yanked out one of mine when I was cleaning up in one of my beds too. No roots came with it so I know it will be back. If you did not pull up roots it will be back.
Now that's great news! Only problem is I'm not even sure where the roots were, because it was so enveloped in weeds. I'll just stay away for a few weeks and see what happens.
Well depending on how strong the roots you may not see it again this year lol. I had a young vine broken off by the neighbor dog in the front yard and I never saw it again last year and thought it was dead. Here it is coming up this year!
Really? So I should be careful until next year? Thanks for the warning -- I would have given it a week or 2 and figured it for dead.
Oh no..I sure hope they come back for you hon..Jeanne
You are so sweet. If I just hadn't been so impatient . . . . but it was late in the day, and I really wanted to finish weeding that bed!
We wouldn't be gardeners without those garden disasters!
Some days mine is more disasters than triumphs! As I was pulling out weeds (and clematis) yesterday, I was also looking at the tombstones (plant markers) of those plants that haven't yet burst through the soil, but should have. I know it is a little early to give up hope, but . . .
Keep watering where the vine was when we don't get abundant rainfall. Hopefully, it will reward you with new growth next year.
More "surprises" will continue to sprout as the weather warms up. Gardeners need to be patient, but sometimes it is soooo difficult!
Patient? Patience is not a trait I possess!
LOL I know the feeling. But I really had a good laugh on the midwest thread where a DGer had dug down to look at his lily bulb growth. I once yanked my hardy kiwi thinking it was dead to see buds on the crown when it was in my hand. I replanted it and it actually survived!
After many years I am finally learning to be patient in the garden -- but impatient everywhere else!