Clematis tangutica 'Bill MacKenzie'

Group 3 clematis includes the varieties that start their flowering after mid-summer and continue well into Autumn or even into early winter, if it's mild. So-called herbaceous clematis are also included in this group.

Put container grown plants into a sheltered and sunny site. The roots should be kept cool either by planting them on the North side or covering the roots with stones or similar.

Propagation can be done by layering, choose soft pliable stems that will reach the ground and allow the end of the shoot to be about a 1ft above the ground. On either side of a leaf joint, carefully slice the bark along it before securing it into the ground with wire hooks or similar each side of the slice. a hormone rooting powder can be used to help with the rooting. Tie the end of the shoot up carefully so that it grows vertically.

Semi hard wood cuttings are taken from the current years growth from late summer to mid autumn the bottom of the cuttings is hard and soft on the top. With a sharp knife take a cutting of about 14cms, remove lowest leaves, dip end into rooting hormone, and place round the edge of a pot filled with a suitable compost, water well, they must remain moist till rooted, place under glass but in semi shade.