Clematis Clematis 'Abundance' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Abundance' is a flowering vine known for its captivating and abundant displays. The plant produces a profusion of blooms, featuring flowers that are small to medium in size with a delightful open, flat shape. The petals, usually, four to six in number, present a rich, velvety color that often ranges from deep mauve to pinkish-purple, often with a hint of a reddish tone near the base of each petal. The center of each flower is accented by a prominent tuft of stamens, which are typically a contrasting pale yellow or cream, adding to the eye-catching nature of the blooms. The flowers appear over a long period from midsummer to early autumn, providing a sustained display of color. The foliage of Clematis 'Abundance' consists of lush green leaves that are divided into leaflets, often with a slightly toothed margin, giving the plant a dense, leafy appearance. The leaves can create an attractive backdrop that highlights the beauty of the flowers. The overall impression of the plant is one of vigorous growth and a generous amount of blossoms that can cover the supporting structure, whether that be a trellis, fence, or arbor, creating a stunning visual impact in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Clematis 'Abundance', Traveler's Joy, Old Man's Beard, Virgin's Bower, Leatherflower, Vase Vine
Common names
Clematis 'Abundance' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Abundance' variety, contains toxic compounds that can cause harm if ingested. The entire plant is considered toxic due to the presence of irritants, including protoanemonin. If someone consumes parts of the clematis plant, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In some cases, contact with the skin can cause dermatitis, which is characterized by redness, itching, and blisters. If sufficient quantities are ingested, more severe health consequences such as internal bleeding or organ damage could hypothetically occur, although such extreme cases are rare with accidental ingestion. It is important to seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Abundance' cultivar, is also toxic to pets. The entire plant contains toxic compounds, particularly protoanemonin, which can cause health issues if pets consume any part of the clematis. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth and throat irritation leading to difficulty in swallowing. In severe cases, ingesting clematis can lead to more serious symptoms such as tremors or seizures. If you suspect your pet has ingested clematis, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Abundance' adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant and profuse flowers.
- Prolific Blooming: Known for its lengthy blooming period, this clematis provides colorful displays from midsummer to early autumn.
- Versatility: It can be grown on trellises, fences, or walls, making it adaptable to different garden designs and uses.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Improves Garden Diversity: Adding this plant contributes to the variety of plant life in a garden, which can be beneficial for the local ecosystem.
- Easy Pruning: Group 3 pruning category means it can be cut back hard in spring, simplifying maintenance for gardeners.
- Adaptable to Containers: Suitable for container planting, which is ideal for those with limited garden space or who prefer patio gardening.
- Quick Growth: Clematis 'Abundance' has a rapid growth rate, providing quick coverage for garden structures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Clematis petals and leaves can be used to produce a gentle dye for fabrics or paper, yielding a range of hues depending on the mordant used.
- Photography backdrop: The lush foliage and flowers of Clematis 'Abundance' can serve as a picturesque backdrop for portrait photography or as a setting for nature photography.
- Education: These plants can be used in botany lessons to teach about climbing plant mechanisms and the diversity of flowering plants.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the intricate shapes and vibrant colors of Clematis 'Abundance' flowers as inspiration in paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Culinary garnish: The flowers, while not widely known for culinary use, are edible and can be used as a delicate garnish for desserts and salads.
- Livestock foraging deterrent: The plant can be strategically placed to deter livestock from areas where their foraging is unwanted, as some species are unpalatable or toxic to animals.
- Mood-setting in restaurants and cafes: Flowering potted Clematis 'Abundance' can be used to enhance the ambiance in dining establishments.
- Floral arts and crafts: Dried Clematis 'Abundance' flowers and vines can be incorporated into wreaths, potpourris, or other dried floral arrangements.
- Scenting rooms: Though not as powerful as other aromatic flowers, Clematis can add a subtly pleasant fragrance to indoor areas.
- Seasonal decoration: Live or dried Clematis 'Abundance' can serve as part of autumnal or springtime decor themes due to their seasonal flowering patterns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: The Clematis 'Abundance', being a vine, is known for its ability to climb and adapt to its surroundings, symbolizing the capacity for intellectual growth and flexibility.
- Creative Inspiration: With its profuse and vibrant flowers, this plant represents the flow of imagination and the blossoming of creative ideas.
- Spiritual Quest: Clematis vines stretch towards the light, which can be interpreted as a symbol of an individual's journey towards spiritual enlightenment or higher understanding.
- Protection: In some cultures, Clematis is believed to provide protection against negative energies and is planted around homes for this purpose.
- Beauty and Artistry: The attractive nature of the Clematis 'Abundance' flowers symbolizes aesthetic beauty and the appreciation of art and beautiful things in life.
WaterClematis, commonly referred to as the Clematis 'Abundance', prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It is best to water it deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the roots. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water the clematis twice a week. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightClematis 'Abundance' thrives in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is where its roots are shaded and cool, while the vine itself can climb towards the sun. Morning sunlight and afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the flowers from intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Abundance' prefers a moderate climate and can generally survive in temperatures ranging from around 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy and can withstand cold winters with temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the top growth will die back in freezing temperatures and then regrow in the spring.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Abundance' helps encourage strong growth and flowering. It is classified as a Group 2 clematis, which means it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems and cut back the remaining stems to a pair of strong buds, ideally about a foot off the ground. This type of clematis can also be given a light trim after the early summer blooming to maintain shape and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Abundance', commonly known as Viticella Clematis, thrives in a well-drained, fertile soil with a pH close to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil enriched with well-rotted compost or manure and a portion of horticultural grit for improved drainage constitutes the best soil composition. Additionally, a layer of mulch can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingViticella Clematis, like Clematis 'Abundance', should be repotted every two to three years to replenish the nutrients in the soil and to offer more space for its root development. It is best to repot in late winter or early spring before the plant resumes active growth.
Humidity & MistingViticella Clematis plants, such as 'Abundance', prefer moderate humidity levels. Although they are adaptable to various humidity conditions, maintaining the humidity at 50-70% is often ideal for these clematis plants. They can tolerate some dry air but should be protected from excessively dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Viticella Clematis 'Abundance' in bright, indirect light and cool.
Outdoor
Plant Viticella Clematis 'Abundance' in partial shade, sheltered.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Abundance' (Vt), or simply Clematis 'Abundance', life cycle begins with seed germination, typically in spring, where it requires well-draining soil and a period of stratification to successfully sprout. After germination, the seedling emerges and transitions to the vegetative growth phase, developing leaves and stems; during this time, a sturdy support system is beneficial for the climbing habit of the plant. As it matures, Clematis 'Abundance' enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, showcasing an abundance of small to medium-sized pink flowers that appeal to pollinators and gardeners alike. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruits, which are achenes with plume-like tails, and when mature, these fruits release seeds to continue the reproductive cycle. During the late fall or winter, the plant may go dormant, losing leaves in colder climates, but the root system remains viable, ready to regrow in the subsequent growing season. Lastly, proper pruning in late winter or early spring encourages healthy new growth and prolific flowering for the coming year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Clematis 'Abundance', which is a variety of the popular flowering vine known commonly as clematis, is best propagated in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for this clematis is by softwood cuttings. To do this, a gardener would select a healthy stem that has recently grown, cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length just below a leaf joint or node, and strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone, which helps to stimulate root development, and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm but indirect light location. Over the course of several weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted outside. This method of propagation is favored for its simplicity and relatively high success rate for growing new clematis vines.
