Propagating Clematis by Softwood Cuttings

March 19, 1998 Kelli wrote: I have a cutting from a Clematis,I have it in water. The buds that were on it are going but I'm not getting any roots. Could you please help! Thank you,Kelli

In your letter you didn't mention how long that your cutting had been in the water. I haven't had much luck trying to root cuttings in water myself, but I am reasonably certain that you can expect the process to take at least 3-4 weeks, possibly longer. I prefer to do cuttings in vermiculite or damp sand myself, after dipping the cutting in a rooting hormone. Whether you are using sand, vermiculite or water, be sure to keep the medium at about 70-75 degrees, and be patient. If the buds are growing, I'm sure that the roots will follow. Good luck,