Can you identify this Clematis?

http://justplainjan.myphotoalbum.com/sli...





The plant was probably planted summer 02 or spring 03.


It was here when we moved in and we have no idea what kind of Clematis it is.





I took pictures, unfortunately, the flowers are either falling off or not open yet. It blooms all summer, but was more prolific earlier than now.





We need to remove the deck that the trellis is attached to.





We'd like to leave it where it is, but will need to prune it back heavily to get the base of the trellis off of the deck and able to stand on its own. We may have to move it, but we would rather not.





Has anybody ever done this?


We are in zone 8, in SW Washington state.





So... answers I am looking for:


1. What is the name of this Clematis?


2. Can I prune it WAY back and allow it to live?


3. Can I move it?


4. What would you do?





Thanks a bunch,


Jan

Can you identify this Clematis?
I believe it is Clematis montana rubens - a very lovely one! This variety doesn't normally require any pruning.





Perhaps you can cut the trellis at the base and then slip the Clematis off of it and lay the vines in the grassy area? Then you can leave it where it is. If that is not possible, perhaps just prune what is on the trellis off it. If you must move it, I would not cut it back and try and leave as much of the plant intact as possible. All in all, it's pretty hardy but I would mulch the base as to protect it from any possible freezing since you'll be moving it.





If it were me and I didn't have to move the plant, I would try and take as little off as possible. If I had to move it, I would dig it up and move it. Plants are pretty hardy though. I transplanted some rose bushes in the heat of August (I know, I know-I had to do it) but they are doing fine. Who knew?!





Good luck.





P.S. Cute little cottage in the background! ;)
Reply:Hi - It looks like Clematis Montana. I have one that I have just pruned hard back - to about 18 - 24" and as it is a bit of a thug I have to do this every 3 - 4 years as it becomes top heavy. They are gorgeous and are really good at covering an area. They don't need annual pruning like some but if it needs a hair cut it is tough enough to take it. I wouldn't try and move it the root system would be massive. You could try pinning down a few bits and see if you can strike some cuttings. Best of luck and happy gardening.
Reply:Maybe: Clematis Texensis Group 'Duchess of Albany'


A moderately fast growing, semi-herbaceous climber. Attractive, nodding, bright pink flowers, shading to lilac-pink at margins, are similar in shape to lily-flowered tulips. During autumn and winter the plant is adorned with silky seed heads.


Suitable for growing over fences, pergolas, arbors and walls or scrambling through low growing plants. Best grown in a sunny, warm and sheltered position


flowers colour: pink, tulip-shaped


plants height: 2-3 m


flowers size: small


http://www.clematis.com.pl/wms/wmsg.php/...
Reply:To me it look like:





Clematis Integrifolia Group 'Rosea' You do not trim clematis back. They bloom off the dead wood. You may can root and move but with a vine that big I don't know if it would live. I think it is beautiful and I would leave it alone.





I live in the South and it gets too hot here for them to get that large.
Reply:It looks like a Jackmani Clematis to me. You have some options, The best one may be to cut it back later in the season, and watch for new growth the following spring. Clematis need to be pruned back to prevent them from getting scraggly. Check the link for someone that had a similar problem with an overgrown Jackmani.





Good Luck...