Evergreen Clematis: How to Propagate Evergreen Clematis

Clematis plants are deciduous perennials that grow climbing, flowering vines that can creep up trellises or fences. Plants with the common name “evergreen clematis” keep their foliage year-round: They have glossy green leaves and large, showy, open flowers that bloom as early as winter.

These members of the Ranunculaceae family grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9.

Evergreen clematis grows in a wide range of flower colors and shapes. Here are some of the most popular evergreen clematis varieties:

1. 1. Clematis ‘Apple Blossom’: This evergreen clematis cultivar blooms large white-pink fragrant flowers surrounded by large waxy leaves that grow so densely. ‘Apple Blossoms’ are a good option for a dense wall covering or privacy screen.
2. 2. Clematis armandii: Native to China and North Burma, this variety features large white blooms that grow in dense clusters. Its leaves are dark green and leathery, and the flowers attract insects and hummingbirds.
3. 3. Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica: This evergreen climber is a stunning winter bloomer. The flowers are bell-shaped with large white petals freckled with magenta, with a late winter to early spring bloom season.
4. 4. Clematis ‘Early Sensation’: This evergreen vine blooms with clusters of delicate white flowers. The vines grow in a dense, almost shrub-like formation, making it a popular ground cover that’s perfect for smaller gardens.
5. 5. Clematis ‘Snowdrift’: This densely growing cultivar will climb to cover a wall, pergola, or trellis in huge clusters of vines topped with white flowers resembling snow cover. Its star-shaped flowers experience a late spring to early summer bloom time.

You can plant evergreen clematis in early spring or early fall. Planting in spring will allow your newly planted clematis to make the most of the growing season's light and warmth while planting in fall will allow your plant to establish strong roots before the next year's growing season.

In both cases, cover your plant's soil with mulch to retain moisture in the soil during summer and to protect your roots from frost in winter. Confirm that the planting zones where you’re growing this plant are amenable to this flower’s needs.

Once you establish your evergreen clematis, this perennial will regenerate itself from the previous year’s growth and come back for years to come. Note that it takes a year of care before the plant will be ready for transplanting into the garden if grown from a cutting. Follow these simple steps to propagate evergreen clematis from a cutting:

1. 1. Obtain the cutting. Cut a two-inch long branch off an established evergreen clematis with a leaf node in the center of the cutting. Trim away any other leaf nodes or flower buds. Dip both ends of your cutting in rooting hormone.
2. 2. Plant in a container. Fill a small container with a humus-rich organic potting mix and lay your cutting over the soil horizontally. Next, cover the cutting with a little extra soil and a sprinkling of water. Finally, place a plastic bag over the container, tie the bag closed, and leave it in a bright spot that receives good light. Your cutting should have roots within about four weeks. Check if the cutting has rooted by gently tugging on it. If there is resistance, it is ready to transplant.
3. 3. Prepare for transplanting. Remove the plastic bag from your growing container and place it near a window where it will receive good indirect light. Train your plant for the bright light outdoors by moving the container outdoors for part of the day, placing it in full sun, then bringing it back inside. Increase the amount of time the plant spends outside until you’re ready to plant it in your garden or final growing container.
   

Here are some steps on how to care for evergreen clematis:

• Plant in the shade. The climbing plant’s foliage thrives in partial or full sun, but the vine’s base in the soil must remain shaded.
• Amend the soil with compost. Clematis needs well-draining soil to thrive. Combine your plant's soil with organic compost to improve the soil's nutrients and ensure the soil is draining well to prevent root rot.
• Train the vines. Clematis plants are natural climbers, and their growth habit means that they will naturally cling to nearby supports. You can train your vines to climb your trellis or support in a specific way by twining its vines to a support.
• Prune after blooming. Prune your evergreen clematis vines after their blooming season to encourage new growth. Prune away all dead woody branches once the last blooms of the season have died off. If your evergreen clematis vine becomes weak and stringy, you can prune the whole plant down to its stems and start the growing process over. The plant will grow back quickly after its first year when it establishes itself.
  
• Water as needed. Water your clematis vines if the soil becomes dry. Poke a finger one inch into the soil to determine its moisture levels. Lightly and evenly water dry soil, but do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

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