Orange Peel Clematis Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi
ABOUT
Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi, commonly known as the Golden Clematis, is a striking plant known for its distinctive and ornamental features. The plant bears a profusion of flowers that hang down like delicate bells. Each blossom is typically characterized by its wealthy, creamy yellow to greenish-yellow hue, exuding a soft, inviting appearance. The petals, which are often curved or flared at the edges, enclose bright, prominent stamens that are a significant draw for pollinators, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The leaves of Golden Clematis are also noteworthy, comprised of leaflets that often number three. These leaflets display a rich green color and a sleek, glossy texture that complements the brightness of the flowers. The foliage provides an excellent backdrop that accentuates the beauty of the blossoms and can add a lush appearance to the plant's overall display. The stems, which support both the leaves and flowers, are vigorous and climbing. They can twist and turn around supports, lending the plant a versatile growth habit that is well-suited for training on various garden structures. This climbing nature adds to the charm of Golden Clematis, making it a favorite for enhancing vertical elements in gardens such as trellises, arbors, and fences. The interplay of the creamy yellow flowers and the rich green foliage creates a serene and elegant presence in any garden setting. The Golden Clematis is truly a captivating addition with its graceful flowers and stylish leaves, sure to draw the eye and add a touch of sophistication to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Tibetan Clematis, Vernay's Clematis
Common names
Clematis tibetana var. vernayi, Clematis vernayi.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Clematis can be toxic to humans. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, ingesting Clematis can also result in mouth ulcers and skin irritation on contact. While it is generally not life-threatening, consumption of parts of this plant should be avoided, and medical advice should be sought if symptoms appear after ingestion.
To pets
The Clematis plant is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It contains irritants known as glycosides, which can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, more severe reactions such as trembling or seizures if consumed in large quantities. The severity of the symptoms can depend on the amount ingested and the size of the pet. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if a pet has ingested any part of a Clematis plant to provide appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
12 feet (3.66 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Tibet
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi, commonly known as Orange Peel Clematis, is prized for its attractive flowers and can be used to enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant's blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Climbing Habit: Being a climber, it can be trained on trellises, arbors, and fences, providing vertical interest in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: Orange Peel Clematis offers seasonal blooms, typically in summer and sometimes extending into autumn, depending on the climate.
- Shade Provision: When used on pergolas and archways, it can provide shade and create cooler areas in gardens during warm months.
- Erosion Control: The plant's climbing and spreading nature can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense foliage can act as a natural privacy screen when grown on suitable structures.
- Habitat Creation: The plant can provide shelter for small wildlife, creating micro-habitats within an ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis vernayi can be used as an ornamental climber for garden trellises and pergolas, offering aesthetic appeal with its flowers.
- The plant's vines can be trained to cover unsightly fences, blending them into the garden landscape.
- With proper support, Clematis vernayi can be grown over sheds or other small garden buildings to create a living roof effect.
- The seed heads of Clematis vernayi can be dried and used in flower arrangements, adding texture and interest.
- Gardeners can use the plant to create natural privacy screens in small garden spaces where trees might be too large.
- Clematis vernayi can be employed in thematic gardens, such as a Tibetan-inspired garden, due to its specific subspecies origin.
- Because of its hardy nature, the plant can offer erosion control on slopes or banks in domestic garden environments.
- The twining nature of the plant allows it to be used in children’s gardens to create whimsical structures like living teepees or tunnels.
- The stems of Clematis vernayi can be used in basketry or as a natural weaving material to create garden art or crafts.
- Plant enthusiasts might cultivate Clematis vernayi as part of a clematis collection to display the diversity of the genus.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tibetan Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tibetan Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity and Cleverness: Clematis varieties are known for their ability to adapt and grow in various directions, both upward and laterally, symbolizing an individual's ability to navigate through life's challenges with creativity and intelligence.
- Mental Beauty: The ornate blossoms of the Clematis represent the concept of beauty that is not just skin deep, but also encompasses the beauty of the mind and soul.
- Personal Growth and Progress: As the Clematis climbs and reaches for the sun, it can symbolize one's personal growth, aspiration, and the pursuit of higher goals.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its showy flowers and variety of shapes and colors, the Clematis is often associated with artistic creativity, inspiring the flow of new ideas and expressions.
- Travelling and Seeking: Given its vigor to expand and explore new supports to grow on, Clematis can represent a journey or the quest for new experiences in life.
WaterThe Tibetan Clematis requires thorough watering, ensuring that the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week with about 1 gallon of water, allowing for proper soil drainage to prevent root rot. Adjust the frequency during hot, dry periods to possibly twice a week, ensuring the top inch of soil is moist before the next watering. During the winter dormancy, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on soil dryness.
LightTibetan Clematis thrives in a location where it receives partial shade to full sun. Ideally, plant it in a spot that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. This balance of light ensures optimal growth and bloom performance without causing undue stress to the plant.
TemperatureTibetan Clematis prefers a temperate climate and can generally withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it thrives best when temperatures range between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Protection from extreme cold is necessary, as temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Tibetan Clematis encourages vigorous growth and prevents tangling by maintaining the plant's shape and size. Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins, cutting back the previous year's stems to a set of strong buds approximately 1 foot from the ground. Prune out any weak or dead stems to improve air circulation and light exposure, which is essential for the health of the plant. Annual pruning also stimulates a robust flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis tibetana subsp. vernayi, commonly known as Vernay's Clematis, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level, ranging from 7.0 to 8.0. A suitable soil mix can be made from equal parts of garden soil, well-rotted compost, and perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingVernay's Clematis typically requires repotting every 2-3 years. It is important to gently loosen the root ball and prune any dead or overcrowded roots during repotting to promote healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingVernay's Clematis prefers moderate humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. Avoiding overly dry air helps ensure healthy foliage and optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Vernay's Clematis near a sunny window, support with a trellis.
Outdoor
Plant Vernay's Clematis in partial shade with a supportive structure.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis tibetana subsp. vernayi, commonly known as the Tibetan Clematis, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, requiring well-drained soil and a period of stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings develop into young plants with a strong root system and climbing stems that seek support structures or nearby vegetation to grow upon. In the vegetative stage, the plant produces compound leaves and elongates its stems, showing rapid growth in favorable conditions of sunlight and moisture. The flowering stage occurs in late summer, where the plant displays bell-shaped, yellow to purple flowers that are pollinated by insects and potentially by wind. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits with feathery tails that aid in wind dispersal. The plant reaches maturity and completes its cycle when these seeds are dispersed to new locations, where they can germinate and grow into new plants, ensuring the species' proliferation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi, commonly known as the Tibetan Clematis, is typically propagated through seed sowing or stem cuttings. The most popular method is stem cuttings, which is often done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, a gardener should select a healthy stem with at least two sets of leaves, cut it just below a node, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder and placed in a mixture of moistened perlite and peat in a pot. Covering the pot with a plastic bag helps create a greenhouse effect, keeping the cutting warm and moist. Roots generally develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot before eventually planting it outside in the garden.
