Arabella Clematis Clematis 'Arabella' (I)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Arabella' is characterized by its profusion of blooms that are a deep, rich blue to mauve hue. The plant features an abundance of small, saucer-shaped flowers which typically have six, slightly recurved petals that lend a charmingly ruffled look to each bloom. At the center of the flowers, there is a spray of creamy yellow stamens, which create a striking contrast to the blue petals and add to the intrigue of the blossom. The foliage of Arabella is comprised of mid-green leaves, which provide a lush background to the floral display. The leaves are typically compound, with leaflets arranged in a spread-out fashion, emanating from a central stem and connected by thin, winding vines. The overall appearance of Clematis 'Arabella' is one of casual elegance, with the meandering vines and blooms mingling harmoniously, creating a cascade of color that enhances any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Integrifolia Clematis, Arabella Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Arabella'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis 'Arabella', commonly known as clematis, can be toxic if ingested. Clematis contains compounds known as glycosides which can cause digestive upset. Symptoms of clematis poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, it may also cause mouth ulcers and skin irritation upon contact. Always exercise care and avoid ingesting this plant.
To pets
Clematis 'Arabella', commonly referred to as clematis, is also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests clematis, it can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, and possible mouth irritation. In severe cases, it can cause more serious digestive upset and may necessitate veterinary attention. Pet owners should prevent their pets from consuming any part of this plant to avoid these potentially adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Extended Blooming Period: Clematis 'Arabella' offers a long flowering season, continuously blooming from early summer to early autumn.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Decorative Appeal: With its attractive, deep blue to purple flowers, it adds visual interest and aesthetic value to landscapes and gardens.
- Versatility: Arabella is suitable for a range of garden settings, including container gardening, ground cover, and growing on trellises or fences.
- Low Maintenance: It is considered easy to care for and does not require the complex pruning that some other clematis varieties require.
- Cold Hardy: This clematis is hardy in many climates, making it suitable for growing in a variety of regions.
- Compact Size: Arabella's relatively small size and non-clinging habit make it a good choice for smaller gardens or spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Arabella' can be used to create natural art installations, where its vining habit and profuse blossoms add texture and color to outdoor sculptures or landscape features.
- Inked impressions of the Arabella's flowers and leaves can be applied to paper or fabric to create unique and organic patterns for crafts or home decor.
- With proper training and support, Arabella plants can be styled as living curtains in outdoor spaces to provide partial shade and privacy.
- Hair adornments can be crafted using the Arabella's blooms, offering a fresh and natural alternative for weddings and special events.
- Its vines and flowers can serve as a natural backdrop for photographing small items like jewelry, enhancing the aesthetic appeal for artists and sellers.
- Clematis 'Arabella' can be used in educational settings like schools or botanical gardens to demonstrate plant growth habits, pollinator attractions, and the lifecycle of flowering plants.
- The striking blue-purple flowers can be used as a natural dye source for textiles or papers, although experimentation may be needed to fix the color.
- Used as living supports for climbing vegetables or fruits, Arabella can provide a dual purpose in kitchen gardens, adding beauty while aiding in vertical growth.
- It can offer a seasonal element to landscape design, where timed flowering can signal changes in seasons or provide visual cues in a garden setting.
- Photographers may utilize Arabella's vibrant color and rich texture to enhance the composition of nature and macro photography shots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: "Arabella" suggests intelligence and quick thinking, mirroring the plant's twisting and climbing nature.
- Artistic Inspiration: Its rich color and appealing form can symbolize the creative muse for artists and writers.
- Spiritual Ascension: As clematis climbs upwards, it is often seen as a symbol for spiritual growth or striving towards higher states of consciousness.
- Beauty and Aesthetics: With its striking appearance, clematis often represents the idea of beauty and the appreciation of aesthetic pleasures.
- Resilience: Despite its delicate looks, clematis is quite hardy, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in challenging situations.
WaterThe Clematis 'Arabella', commonly known as the Clematis, should be watered deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency should be increased to twice a week. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. In cooler climates or during rainy seasons, reduce watering to when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightThe Clematis 'Arabella' thrives best in a location that provides it with about six hours of sunlight a day, although it can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where its roots are shaded while the foliage and flowers receive adequate sunlight. Morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable to protect the plant from the harsh afternoon heat.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Arabella' can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 45°F to 85°F, but it grows best when average temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. The plant can withstand brief cold snaps down to about 20°F, but prolonged exposure to extremes outside its comfort range can be detrimental.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Arabella' encourages vigorous growth and flowering, and is best performed in late winter or early spring. Since it's a Group 3 Clematis, it should be pruned back to about 12 to 18 inches above the ground annually, removing any dead or weak stems. This timing ensures that the upcoming season's growth is maximized, and it blooms on new wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Arabella' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Mulch can help keep the root zone cool and moist.
RepottingClematis 'Arabella' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Carefully lift the plant and place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix to encourage continued growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Arabella' prefers moderate humidity levels, but as a versatile outdoor plant, it can tolerate a range of conditions. It does not require specific humidity control when grown in its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in a bright, cool spot with direct morning sun.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; provide support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Arabella' starts its life cycle as a seed, which once sown into well-draining soil, germinates to produce a small seedling under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. As a fast-growing perennial, it rapidly develops into a young plant with a robust root system and begins to produce long, trailing stems. Throughout the growing season, Arabella will vigorously produce masses of distinctive, mid-blue flowers which continuously bloom from early summer until early fall. After the blooming period, the plant enters dormancy during the colder months, when its above-ground foliage dies back, while its roots remain alive underground. In spring, Arabella revives from dormancy, sprouting new stems from the base or along the remaining stems of the previous year's growth, ready to cycle back into its flowering stage. The plant can also be propagated through cuttings or layering, effectively creating genetically identical clones that will follow the same life cycle stages.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the 'Arabella' Clematis is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically carried out in the spring when the plant's new growth is soft and pliable. Gardeners will select a healthy shoot and cut a piece that is about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long, making sure that it includes at least two sets of leaves. The cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat moss. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight and the soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new 'Arabella' Clematis plant can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
