Clematis Clematis Alaina = 'Evipo056' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis Alaina, commonly referred to as just Clematis, boasts a stunning display of flowers. Its blossoms are particularly eye-catching, with a vibrant mix of pink and red hues that blend seamlessly into each other. The petals exhibit a remarkable overlapping pattern, creating a full, rounded look for each individual flower. At the center of these spectacular blooms, you'll notice a prominent cluster of stamens, which add a delightful contrast with their yellowish tone. These flowers are supported by a lush backdrop of green foliage, which consists of leaves that possess a bright, healthy appearance and a generally smooth texture. The Clematis Alaina's climbing nature allows it to grace structures such as trellises, fences, and walls with its ornamental charm, adding a vertical aspect of beauty to gardens and outdoor spaces. It's a plant that's not only celebrated for its floral display but also for its ability to enhance the aesthetics of any area it inhabits with its graceful and alluring presence.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Alaina', Alaina Clematis, Evipo056 Clematis.
Common names
Clematis Alaina = 'Evipo056' (PBR) (EL).
- Toxicity
To humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Alaina', can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds called glycosides which can cause toxicity. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include irritation of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may escalate to salivation, headaches, dizziness, and convulsions. Skin contact with the sap may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Alaina', is also toxic to pets. If ingested, pets may experience similar symptoms to humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms such as spasms, seizures, or other signs of nervous system involvement. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant and to seek veterinary attention if poisoning is suspected.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis Alaina produces large, star-shaped flowers with a vibrant mix of pink and mauve hues, making it a visually striking addition to any garden.
- Extended Blooming Period: This variety is known for its long flowering season, which can last from late spring to early autumn, providing continuous color and interest.
- Compact Growth: With a manageable mature size, Clematis Alaina is suitable for small gardens or container planting, making it versatile for various garden settings.
- Climbing Habit: The climbing nature of Clematis Alaina allows it to be used for vertical interest, covering trellises, arbors, walls, or fences.
- Easy Pruning: Classified as Pruning Group 2, it requires minimal pruning, which is convenient for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of the garden by supporting pollinator populations.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Natural Fabric Dyes: Clematis Alaina can be used to create natural fabric dyes for textiles, offering a range of colors from soft yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: The flowers of Clematis Alaina can be used in flower photography due to their striking appearance, providing a great subject for close-ups and macro photography.
- Floral Jewelry: Fresh or dried Clematis Alaina blossoms can be used to make unique and attractive pieces of floral jewelry, such as earrings and pendants.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vivid flowers can also serve as a muse for artists and creators, inspiring paintings, illustrations, and designs.
- Garden Structures: The climbing nature of Clematis Alaina can be used to create living garden structures, or 'green' walls, when grown on trellises or supports.
- Bath Products: Petals of the Clematis Alaina can be infused into bath bombs or soaps for an aesthetic touch, though they do not have known therapeutic properties.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not commonly known for edible use, the non-toxic flowers can garnish desserts or salads purely for decorative purposes.
- Teaching Tool: The plant can be used as an example in teaching botany or horticulture, especially about climbing plants and pruning techniques.
- Landscaping Themes: Clematis Alaina can be central to a purple-themed garden design, providing consistent color throughout the blooming season.
- Frost Patterns: In colder climates, the intricate patterns of frost on Clematis Alaina's seed heads can offer a unique visual for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Ingenuity: The clematis plant is known for its ability to cleverly latch onto structures and climb upwards, which symbolizes creative thinking and the ability to adapt in various situations.
- Mental Beauty: With its intricate and stunning flowers, clematis is often associated with the beauty of the mind or the celebration of intellectual achievements.
- Artistry: The clematis's vivid blossoms and diverse colors represent an individual's artistic nature and creative expression.
- Spiritual Quest: As a plant reaching towards the sky, clematis can symbolize a person's journey towards spiritual understanding or enlightenment.
- Water
Clematis, commonly known as Clematis 'Alaina', should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Each watering session should thoroughly soak the soil, using about 1 gallon of water per plant. In hot and dry weather, increase the frequency to twice a week, while in cooler, wet periods, reduce the watering to prevent overwatering. In winter, when the plant is dormant, you can reduce watering further, only ensuring that the soil does not completely dry out. Adjust the water quantity if rainfall naturally increases the soil's moisture level.
- Light
Clematis 'Alaina' thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. The ideal location offers about 6 hours of sunlight daily, with some shade during the hottest part of the day to protect its blooms and foliage. A north- or east-facing position where the plant gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal, promoting the best flowering without stressing the plant in extreme heat.
- Temperature
Clematis 'Alaina' is best suited to temperatures between 45°F and 80°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. It can tolerate frosts down to about 20°F but may suffer if temperatures fall much lower. The roots prefer to stay cool, so it is beneficial to provide mulch or plant ground cover to shade the root zone while ensuring good air circulation.
- Pruning
Clematis 'Alaina' benefits from pruning to encourage vigorous growth and optimize flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or weak stems and cutting the plant back to about 12 inches to stimulate new growth. Pruning should be done annually, and for this particular clematis, which is a Group 3 type, heavy pruning is suitable to maintain shape and health.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Clematis, including Clematis 'Alaina', thrive in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, well-rotted manure, and a handful of granular fertilizer creates an ideal environment for their growth.
- Repotting
Clematis 'Alaina' generally requires repotting every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Repotting in early spring is advisable before the growing season starts.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis 'Alaina' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable. Strive for humidity around 50-60% for optimal health and bloom quality.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure strong support, bright indirect light, regular feeding.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, fertile soil, provide climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Clematis 'Alaina' begins its life cycle as a dormant, bare-root plant or from a small rooted cutting. It progresses to its growth phase, sprouting stems, leaves, and tendrils, with the plant's vine climbing or sprawling, depending on support structures. As it matures and enters the flowering stage, it develops large, often vibrant-colored flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant can produce feathery seed heads, which disperse into the environment to potentially germinate new plants. As the season ends, in regions with cold winters, Clematis 'Alaina' enters a period of dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back, while the root system survives to regenerate the next spring. Throughout its life, it may be pruned to maintain shape and encourage robust growth and flowering for the next cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Clematis Alaina, officially named 'Evipo056' (PBR) (EL), is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method typically involves taking a cutting of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length from a semi-woody part of the stem, usually during mid to late summer when the plant is actively growing but the wood is not yet hard. The bottom end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist and the cutting in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have formed, which can take several weeks. After the cutting has rooted and new growth is evident, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.