Clematis growing g around dead Berberis bush

[SpanielFace]

We have a beautiful clematis in our garden, growing around a dead berberis bush. DH would like to remove the bush but save the clematis, and replace it with a man-made structure to climb instead - is this possible? We are both complete novice gardeners who have bought a house with a beautiful mature garden, and having to learn very quickly! Thanks in advance for any help.

No advice re:clematis but watch out when you take out the Berberis. They are lethal even with thick gloves.
We've removed 3 bushes and want to take out another 5 but it has been a really nasty job.

You could give it a try. The two main issues you will find are 1. as wonky says, berberis are a bit of a nasty job to remove; and 2. clematis stems are generally pretty delicate (except clematis montana actually - do you know what sort it is?) and liable to snap if you move them too far out of the position they have grown into.

There is no harm trying though, although it won't be a quick job and you will need to be determined and patient. How much space is there around the bush? What I would do is remove one stem of clematis at a time (if possible, if all tangled then tackle it one section at a time) - cut through the clematis tendrils that are wrapped around the berberis, this will do no harm at all, until that stem is free and then very gently lift it away from the berberis and lay it on the ground or drape over a neighbouring plant. It might be a good idea to then chop away some berberis before you tackle the next bit of clematis. Repeat until you have got most of the clematis free. Then chop down the berberis to ground level.

I think you are unlikely to be able to dig the berberis roots out without killing the clematis though. Is it very dead?! The worry is it might regrow from the root. So you would need to wedge your man made structure in around whatever is left and then gently lift up the clematis and tie it in. Even if you have damaged the clematis (highly likely) it will in all likelihood grow back next year.

Tbh clematis are not expensive and mature fairly quickly so I would be wondering if it's worth the effort.

If on the other hand it's a clematis montana I would hack it back fairly hard, get as much berberis out as you can, stick your new support in and tie in new growth as it reappears.

Thank you. DH is determined he wants to save it, so I think we (or he!) will give it a go. It is very pretty! Not a clematis Montana, it has yellow flowers. x