STEP BY STEP

Layer clematis

Clear some soil close to your clematis and propagate it by layering a strong new shoot pulled gently down to ground level. The shoot must stay attached to the plant and is best out of direct sun. Separate the new plant when it starts to shoot next spring.

1

CHOOSE a healthy bud that can easily be placed at ground level, then make a shallow cut into the stem just below the bud.

2

ADD grit to improve drainage at the point that the cut stem reaches the ground, and bury the cut, with the leaves above the surface.

3

ANCHOR the layered cutting securely using a rock as a weight or a long, arched peg pressed into the soil. Soak and leave to root.