Move a clematis?

Hello

I have literally just joined this forum and apart from saying hello this is my first 'gardening' post, so apologies if this has already been asked (I'm sure it has!!).

I have a clematis and honeysuckle which were planted together in the same spot 15 years ago. Both are growing but the honeysuckle has taken over and the poor clematis is very small, and clinging on to one side if the trellis.

My question is should/could I move the clematis or should I attempt to 'train' it to grow away from the honeysuckle?

I'd be grateful for any help and advice, thank you.

Pink Nessie

 

Hello again, it might be better for you to put the question in another place called other plants, you'll should get a response but they might be doing other things at the moment.

 

I don't think I would try moving a clematis that had been planted 15years ago, but if it's doing nothing where it is it might be worth a try.

It's probably struggling root wise as well if it's fairly close to the honeysuckle.

 

Just been reading the February issue of 'Garden Answers' magazine - where someone asks when is good time to move Clematis - this is their response:

Clematis aren't easy to move because they have such thick roots but if you want to try the best time to do this is late Winter/early Spring just before growth starts.

So yes it can be moved - but it's going to be a bit of job - especially to extricate it from the honeysuckle roots. It doesn't sound like it's going to thrive where it is. I'd get rid of it and let the honeysuckle take over.

 

Thank you @pete and @clanless for your replies.

Giving this a bit more thought in view if replies, I don't think I could move it. I can't imagine how gard it will be to separate its roots from the honeysuckle, and since i'm a total newbie, it sounds a very difficult job.

Thank you.

 

I think you would be taking a chance by moving it, but if its not doing well where it is you dont have a lot to lose really.

 

@pete yes I guess you're right. It just seems a shame to not see it thrive. To be honest I thought it was long gone but once the honeulysuckles leaves died off I could clearly see the clematis still clinging on.

I might try and dig about and see if I can untangle any roots

 

I've moved several Clematises over the years, some in pots and some in the ground. They've all grown back even bigger than they were before moving.
One was in a pot with a Hydrangea and dying off, but I was able to separate the roots easily. I planted both in the ground and now they are bigger than ever.
So I'd have a go, you've got nothing to lose.