Avalanche Clematis Clematis × cartmanii 'Avalanche' (PBR) (Fo/m)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Avalanche' boasts an impressive display of white, star-shaped flowers which blanket the vine, creating a spectacular floral show from early to mid-spring. Each bloom is composed of several petals radiating around a central tuft of stamens, with the floral display often initiating a cascade of white against the plant’s evergreen foliage. The leaves themselves are deep green, divided into three leaflets, and offer a lush backdrop to the profusion of flowers. This evergreen climber is known for the sheer abundance of blooms it produces, which can cover the entire plant. After the flowering season, 'Avalanche' may produce silky seed heads that catch the light and add to the visual interest of the plant. The vine itself is often trained to climb trellises, walls, or arched supports, contributing to vertical interest in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Avalanche Clematis, Cartman's Clematis, White Evergreen Clematis.
Common names
Clematis × cartmanii 'Avalanche' (PBR) (Fo/m)
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Clematis × cartmanii 'Avalanche' is just 'Clematis.' Clematis plants can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds known as glycosides, which can cause moderate toxicity. When parts of the plant are eaten, it may result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In some cases, there could also be more severe effects such as internal bleeding or digestive distress if large quantities are consumed. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It's advisable to keep clematis out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest the plant matter.
To pets
The common name for Clematis × cartmanii 'Avalanche' is 'Clematis.' Clematis plants are also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of a clematis plant, they can experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and may demonstrate signs of oral irritation. In severe cases, ingestion can result in ataxia (loss of coordination), tremors, or seizures, especially if large amounts are consumed. It is important to prevent pets from having access to clematis plants to avoid potential poisoning. If you suspect your pet has ingested clematis, it's important to contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Avalanche' boasts profuse blooms of white flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens or spaces, as it is a compact climber that can be easily managed and maintained.
- Vertical Interest: Ideal for adding vertical interest to gardens by growing on trellises, walls, or fences.
- Seasonal Color: Provides a burst of spring color when it flowers, thereby enriching the seasonal variety in a garden setting.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing for multiplication of plants without additional cost.
- Diverse Planting: Works well in a variety of planting schemes, including borders, containers, and as a specimen plant.
- Long Flowering Period: Offers a longer than average flowering period when compared to some other climbers.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Hardiness: Tolerant of different climatic conditions and can thrive in a range of hardiness zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Avalanche' can be trained over frames to create living sculptures in the garden, providing an artistic feature that changes with the seasons.
- The plant's long trailing stems can be used in hanging baskets to add vertical interest and cascading floral beauty to patios or balconies.
- Its foliage can be included in floral arrangements for a touch of greenery, where the contrast with vibrant flowers can be striking.
- When dried, the vine's stems can be weaved into wreaths or other decorative items, offering a rustic and natural charm.
- Clematis 'Avalanche' can be used as a natural screen to provide privacy on a small balcony or terrace when grown on a trellis.
- The plants can be grown in large containers with a supporting structure to create movable garden accents that can be repositioned as needed.
- Interplanted with vegetables, clematis can offer a vertical growing companion in a potager garden, adding beauty among the edible produce.
- With careful training, Clematis 'Avalanche' can be shaped to grow on garden arches, creating beautiful flowering walkways.
- It can be used as a scenic backdrop for photographing smaller plants, garden features, or even pets in a garden setting.
- In education settings such as schools or botanical programs, Clematis 'Avalanche' can be used to illustrate plant growth habits and vining mechanisms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis is often associated with cleverness and intellectual agility, signifying the ability to adapt and think through complex problems.
- Ingenuity: The intricate structure and growth habit of the clematis symbolize ingenuity and the ability to flourish in various conditions.
- Aspiration: With its vines reaching upward, clematis signifies striving for higher grounds and represents ambition and aspiration.
- Beauty: The showy and often large flowers of clematis denote beauty and artistry, suggesting a celebration of aesthetic pleasures.
- Traveler's Joy: This is an old common name for clematis, carrying the meaning of protection and joy during travel, making it a talisman for journeys.
WaterThe Clematis 'Avalanche' prefers to be watered regularly but not excessively, ensuring that its soil remains evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. During the active growing season of spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about one gallon of water. However, during the dormant period in winter, you should reduce watering to once every two weeks or even less, depending on the climate. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to provide proper drainage.
LightClematis 'Avalanche' thrives in a spot where it receives about six hours of sunlight daily but is protected from the intense midday sun. The ideal position would be one with morning sun and afternoon partial shade. Ensuring this balance of light will promote healthy blooms and foliage while preventing potential sun damage to the delicate petals.
TemperatureClematis 'Avalanche' generally prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but is at risk if the temperature drops much lower. The ideal growing conditions are during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, making it possible for the plant to thrive and bloom.
PruningPrune Clematis 'Avalanche' to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems and cut back the remaining stems to a strong set of buds. This cultivar can benefit from annual pruning but can be pruned less frequently if desired to maintain a more natural shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Avalanche' thrives in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix would contain equal parts of loam, peat or compost, and gritty material like perlite or fine bark to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingClematis 'Avalanche' typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time to repot this plant, carefully handling its delicate roots.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Avalanche' prefers a moderate humidity level. Although it can tolerate some variation, maintaining humidity around 50% is often ideal for good growth without encouraging fungal problems.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with some support to climb.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade with a trellis for support.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Avalanche' begins its life as a dormant, bare-root plant or a young nursery plant with a few shoots. It breaks dormancy in early spring with the emergence of new shoots and leaf buds, which quickly grow into long, climbing vines. Flower buds develop on the new growth, and by late spring to early summer, the plant produces large, white flowers that are prolific and prominent. After blooming, the flowers develop into fluffy, plume-like seed heads that can persist on the plant. In autumn, the foliage typically starts to yellow and wither as the plant enters dormancy. The Clematis 'Avalanche' can live for many years, repeating this annual cycle with periods of winter dormancy and vigorous growth during the growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Clematis ‘Avalanche’ is semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from a healthy stem during the summer, when the plant is actively growing but the current year's growth has started to become firm. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed and the base dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is buried as roots will form from this point. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated, and the cutting should be placed in a warm spot with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Clematis ‘Avalanche’ can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
