The above is not bad advice.........except: an established clematis that has a root system that can penetrate 4' (and that's not an exaggeration) into the ground will also have a root system much wider than the 12" recommended root ball. It is just as important to obtain as much of the horizontal spread as it is to dig deeply as the horizontal spread will contain much of the fine feeder roots which are essential for the vine's reestablishment and continued health. So picture if you can what a correctly dug established clematis vine could look like: a rootball at least 18-24" wide and 30-48" deep. That's a whole lot of soil and roots to attempt to move, especially if transporting any distance - like from one residence to another as opposed to two different locations in the same garden. Obviously, containerizing something of this size will be very difficult. A younger, less established vine will undoubtedly be easier to dig and with a smaller rootball, but you've got complications added with the competition of the tree roots, which will impede digging a clean rootball. I don't mean to dissuade you entirely from this process, but keep in mind it is not a guaranteed deal by any stretch of the imagination. If you do attempt to dig and transplant your vines, I'd be inclined to attempt to reproduce them by other means just as a form of added insurance, especially if you have the luxury of some time before the move must be made. I've included a link to a pretty fair overview of other methods of increasing your clems - you might want to give a couple of them a try. Layering is perhaps the easiest, but does require some time. Although most sources recommend doing this in late summer or early fall, I've found that the new growth produced earlier in the season will layer just as readily. Even though financially challenged with the expense of a new home or whatever, determined gardeners always seem to be able to find a way to obtain the plants they want :-)) You may not be able to afford to purchase all the clems you want immediately, but I bet you'll be able to squeeze out a few bucks here and there to add to your collection. It's amazing how fast foregoing a few lattes or the occasional opting for hamburger rather than steak will add up to a new plant for the garden. Remember the priorities!! Here is a link that might be useful: clematis propagation

Early Spring whilest it's still cool is the best time to transplant your clematis..dormant is even better but since yours has awoken and still just starting you can!!..Have the new hole dug and ready..then dig out about 2 feet wide from the center and dig deep to encompass all the roots you can and move to the new planting hole..If you don't have problems with critters..I highly recommend using bonemeal in the planting hole..really helps to aid the roots and helps against transplant shock... make sure to try and plant a few inches deeper than it's previous home to ensure the roots stay moist..firm the soil very well and water deeply until the water seems to stop sinking in and STOP..it's very important to stick your finger in the soil around the clematis to make sure it stays moist during its adaption period..once you see it starting to put on new leaves then it is saying it is happy and you can resume your normal watering times...Jeanne

I bought a montana wilsonii in the early May because the clematis grower said it would do well on my terrace in Vienna, Austria. The containers weren't finished yet so all the plants spent a long time in their little pots. It had a great bloom but then its leaves started to turn a reddish bronze. Finally, two weeks ago, I could transplant it. Suddenly the leaves began to turn brown and within three days it looked completely dead despite being well watered. From what I have read, I don't think it was wilt. The question is, if I cut it at soil level will it grow back? or was it shock that really killed it? It was also quite top heavy before it turned brown - would this have weakened it? The Clematis Rasputin next to it is happy and sending out new shoots! (This is my first post - why is the picture sideways?)

Jeanne TX suggests transplanting in the spring. If you do a search on transplanting clematis you will find many threads. There is a search box at the bottom of the discussion page and also info in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Here in z: 4 I transplant in the fall as well as the spring and summer. Haven't lost one from transplanting because I can keep them watered and shaded until they are established. In warmer areas I read that people winter over clematis in pots by placing them next to the house and putting leaves around the pot. Here I sink the pot in the ground which protects the roots. You can search for over wintering clematis in pots to see what those in your zone say. One thing about transplanting clematis, they have very large root balls and if you don't get all the roots you may find the original plant coming back next spring. I have had that happen with Huldine twice. Here is a link that might be useful: transplanting clematis This post was edited by mnwsgal on Tue, Aug 26, 14 at 12:38