Clematis Ascotiensis Clematis 'Ascotiensis' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Ascotiensis' is a striking climbing plant known for its showy flowers. These blossoms are large and often star-shaped, showcasing velvety, deep violet-blue petals that can create a stunning display when in full bloom. The flowers typically possess a prominent, fluffy center of contrasting creamy yellow stamens, which adds to their visual appeal. These stamens stand out against the rich color of the petals and attract pollinators. The foliage of Clematis 'Ascotiensis' is equally attractive, consisting of bright green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the spectacle of flowers. As the seasons change, the leaves may take on a bronzed hue, adding further interest to the plant's appearance. With proper support, such as a trellis or fence, the Clematis 'Ascotiensis' gracefully weaves its way upwards, producing an elegant vertical accent in any garden or landscape setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Ascot Violet.
Common names
Clematis 'Ascotiensis' (LL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Ascotiensis' variety, contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea. In some cases, the ingestion might lead to mouth irritation and ulcers, as well as internal complications if consumed in significant amounts.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Ascotiensis' cultivar, is also toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also result in ataxia (loss of coordination) and can be particularly harmful to pets when significant amounts are ingested, potentially requiring veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Clematis 'Ascotiensis' adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant deep blue flowers and contrasting yellow stamens.
- Versatility: It can be trained to climb trellises, fences, and walls, or allowed to sprawl as ground cover, offering various landscaping options.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety of clematis blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal color when many other plants are not in flower.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can serve as a natural screen, offering privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Clematis 'Ascotiensis' requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Hardiness: It is relatively hardy and can withstand UK climates, making it a robust choice for many gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Ascotiensis' can be used in companion planting to climb over shrubs or small trees, providing extra floral interest without compromising the companion plant's growth.
- The vine is often used in creating privacy screens on patios or balconies, where it can climb on trellises and provide a natural green curtain.
- Artists and photographers may utilize the blooms and foliage of Clematis 'Ascotiensis' as subjects for their work, capturing the plant in different stages of growth.
- The plant can be grown in containers and used to adorn entryways, acting as a welcoming feature for visitors.
- This variety is at times used in thematic garden designs, contributing a romantic Victorian or cottage garden aesthetic with its lush flowers.
- In celebrations or events, the blooming vines can serve as a natural decoration, such as being woven into arches for weddings.
- The Clematis can be cultivated for use in educational settings, like biology classes, to teach about plant growth habits and vine training.
- Crafting enthusiasts might use dried Clematis blooms in potpourri mixes to add texture and a visual element, although it won't significantly contribute to the scent.
- Its vines can be trained creatively around garden sculptures or features, effectively integrating living plants with art installations.
- Gardeners may use this Clematis as part of a 'moon garden', where its light-colored blooms will stand out in the evening light, creating a nighttime feature in the landscape.
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 vine is adept at climbing and winding through obstacles, symbolizing the ability to navigate complex thoughts and ideas.
- Creative Expression: Known for its striking flowers, the Clematis represents the flowering of creative ideas and expression.
- Ingenuity: The adaptable growth pattern of the Clematis signifies resourcefulness and the clever use of one's surroundings.
- Aspiration: As the Clematis reaches upwards toward the light, it symbolizes striving for higher goals and aspirations.
- Protection: In gardening, the Clematis can protect the walls it covers by moderating temperature; it hints at providing a safeguard or protection for the intangible.
WaterClematis 'Ascotiensis', commonly known as Clematis, should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil, especially during dry spells. Initially, water your Clematis deeply once a week, using about 1 gallon of water for each plant to encourage deep root development. Once established, they usually require less frequent watering, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely. Adjust the watering schedule considering rainfall and temperature; during hot weather, you may need to water twice a week. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant.
LightClematis need a well-lit location with at least six hours of sunlight to thrive. However, their roots and base prefer a cooler, sheltered spot, so it's beneficial to plant them where the foliage receives sunlight while the roots are shaded, either by surrounding plants or a mulch layer. The ideal location would be on a trellis or fence where the top of the plant gets full sun, and the base is protected from intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureThe Clematis plant can survive a range of temperatures and is hardy in the United States in USDA zones 4 through 9, which roughly equates to minimum winter temperature tolerances between -30 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, Clematis prefers to grow in temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand brief periods of more extreme temperatures but thrive best within this range.
PruningPrune Clematis 'Ascotiensis' to promote healthy growth and flowering. They are in pruning group 2 or B, which means they flower on old and new wood. Light pruning in late winter or early spring is recommended – just removing weak or dead stems and tidying up the plant. After the first flush of flowers, a more thorough pruning can encourage a second bloom. The best time for this is immediately after the first flowering is over, usually by cutting back the stems by about half.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Ascotiensis', commonly known as Clematis, is well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal. Incorporate compost and peat into the native soil to create a fertile and slightly alkaline to neutral environment for this plant.
RepottingClematis 'Ascotiensis', or Clematis, generally does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years. Use a larger pot and fresh, well-draining soil mix when you repot to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Ascotiensis', commonly called Clematis, prefers outdoor humidity levels, thriving best in a natural garden environment. No specific humidity requirements need to be maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in fertile soil, provide support, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Ascotiensis' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring given the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling then develops into a young plant, producing a robust root system and shoots that will start to climb. As it matures, Clematis 'Ascotiensis' enters a vigorous vegetative stage, with leaves and stems growing rapidly. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, and the plant displays large, vibrant purple-blue blooms that are the primary attraction. After pollination, the flowers develop into feathery seed heads, which release seeds for dispersal. As a perennial, the plant enters dormancy in late autumn or winter, with above ground parts dying back, to re-sprout the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Clematis 'Ascotiensis', also known as the Late Large-flowered Clematis, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in the spring when new growth is about 4 to 6 inches long. To propagate, a gardener would cut a section of the stem that includes at least two sets of leaves, making the cut just below a leaf node. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cutting is treated with rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining soil mix. The container with the cutting should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. After rooting, the new clematis can be hardened off and eventually transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
