Clematis Clematis 'Barbara Jackman' (EL)
ABOUT
Barbara Jackman Clematis is a captivating flowering vine known for its striking flowers and graceful growth habit. The blossoms are a sight to behold, with their large, star-shaped form that can command attention with ease. The flowers exhibit a rich violet-blue hue, boasting a bold and vibrant color that adds a splash of intensity wherever it grows. At the center of each flower, there are a contrasting, creamy-yellow stamen that stand out against the petals, providing a beautiful contrast that enhances the allure of the plant. As these flowers mature, they unfurl to showcase their full glory, which is further augmented by the lush green foliage that serves as a backdrop. The leaves of the Barbara Jackman Clematis are delicate and have a soft, verdant appearance, with each leaf consisting of multiple leaflets that have a tendency to overlap, giving the vine a fuller, more robust look. Throughout the blooming season, this clematis variety can become laden with flowers, creating an impressive display that can drape over trellises, fences, or walls, adding height and color to gardens without taking up significant ground space. Its ability to climb and adorn structures makes it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to enhance vertical spaces with floral beauty. Gardeners prize this flowering vine not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its ability to bring life and color to a wide range of garden designs, from cottage gardens to more structured formal landscapes. The Barbara Jackman Clematis's striking appearance and climbing nature make this a standout plant in any garden setting where it is featured.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Barbara Jackman Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Barbara Jackman' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Barbara Jackman', contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested and can cause skin irritation on contact for some individuals. If ingested, symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, symptoms could escalate to mouth ulcers, throat pain, or difficulty in swallowing. Contact with the skin may result in dermatitis or other skin reactions. It is important to handle these plants with care and ensure they are not ingested.
To pets
Clematis, the common name for the Clematis 'Barbara Jackman', is also considered to be toxic to pets. If a pet ingests part of this plant, it may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly even trembling or seizures in more severe cases. Gastrointestinal upset is the most common consequence of ingestion. As with humans, pets should be prevented from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these negative effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis Barbara Jackman is well-known for its vibrant flowers, which enhance aesthetic appeal and add color to gardens.
- Garden Structure: It can be used for vertical interest, climbing on trellises, walls, or pergolas, therefore maximizing garden space.
- Wildlife Attraction: The blossoms can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides beautiful blooms in late spring to early summer, and often a second bloom period in late summer to fall.
- Versatility: Suitable for growing in containers and thus fitting for gardens with limited space or where soil conditions are not ideal.
- Privacy: When grown on structures, it can create a green screen, offering privacy and hiding unsightly areas.
- Easy Pruning: Group 2 pruning category means it's pruned lightly after the first bloom, making it relatively easy to care for.
- Variety: Being part of the diverse Clematis genus, it offers variety in plant collections due to its unique purple-mauve flowers with a magenta stripe.
- Hardiness: Clematis Barbara Jackman is quite hardy and can tolerate a range of weather conditions once established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Barbara Jackman' can be trained to grow on a wall-mounted trellis to create a captivating vertical garden that enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces.
- Its long, flexible vines can be woven into natural crowns or headpieces for garden-themed parties or weddings, adding a touch of elegance and nature-inspired decor.
- The plant can be used in dried flower arrangements, where the vines and faded flowers add a rustic charm to bouquets or decorative displays.
- Clematis 'Barbara Jackman' can act as a natural privacy screen when planted along fences or balconies, providing a living barrier that changes with the seasons.
- Photographers might use the flowers as a natural backdrop or prop in portrait and macro photography to add depth and interest to their images.
- Artists can use the intricate patterns of the Clematis vines and flowers as inspiration for designs in textiles, wallpaper, or other forms of decorative art.
- The plant can serve as a natural shade provider when grown over a pergola or patio area, creating a cool space for relaxation during hot summer months.
- In culinary contexts, the flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for desserts, although they should be used sparingly and with caution due to possible allergens.
- Clematis 'Barbara Jackman' can be used in the practice of companion planting, where its climbing nature allows it to coexist with taller shrubs or trees and create multi-level garden designs.
- Finally, the plant can be used as an educational tool to teach about climbing plant mechanisms, as it demonstrates both twining and leaf-stem wrapping techniques to ascend.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity and Cleverness: Clematis varieties are often associated with clever thinking due to their resourceful way of climbing and supporting themselves on structures and other plants.
- Mental Beauty: The intricate and vibrant flowers of the clematis symbolize the beauty of the mind and celebrate intellectual achievements.
- Spiritual Pursuit: With its tendency to grow upwards, clematis can symbolize a spiritual quest or striving towards higher states of consciousness.
- Resilience: As a plant that can come back strong after being cut back, clematis sometimes represents the ability to recover from adversity.
WaterClematis, commonly known as 'Barbara Jackman', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage the roots to seek moisture deeper into the soil. Generally, watering should be done once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, adjusted for climate and soil conditions. During hot or dry spells, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. However, ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot. In cooler months or rainy periods, reduce watering to prevent excessive moisture.
LightClematis 'Barbara Jackman' flourishes best in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. This plant thrives in partial sun to full sun conditions. It's optimal to plant it in a spot where the foliage is in the sun, while the roots and base are shaded, either by lower plants or a mulch layer, to keep them cool.
TemperatureClematis 'Barbara Jackman' performs best in temperate climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F in winter and as high as 85°F in summer. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 55°F and 75°F. These broad temperature ranges allow the plant to thrive in many environments, but they should be protected from extreme heat and cold.
PruningClematis 'Barbara Jackman' should be pruned to encourage strong growth and flowering. It's best to prune this plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. 'Barbara Jackman' belongs to pruning group 2, meaning it should be lightly pruned to remove dead and weak stems and to shape the plant. Deadheading after the initial bloom can also promote a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Barbara Jackman' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix includes equal parts of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced potting mix with added lime to adjust pH. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingClematis 'Barbara Jackman', being a vigorous climber, does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years. It's important to repot in spring before the growing season and to increase the pot size to support growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Barbara Jackman' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the humidity found in most temperate outdoor environments; specific humidity levels are not critical for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and a suitable support for climbing.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade, provide a trellis, and protect the root zone.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Barbara Jackman', commonly known as Jackman's Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of stratification before germination. Upon germinating, the seedling emerges and focuses on developing a strong root system. As it matures, a robust vine with leafstalks that function as tendrils, allowing the plant to climb, develops. Throughout the spring and into the summer, the mature Clematis 'Barbara Jackman' produces large, showy purple-blue flowers with red/pink stripes, which are succeeded by ornamental, plume-like seed heads. The vine enters a dormant phase in the winter, where it conserves energy, although in milder climates it may retain some of its foliage. Each year, the plant undergoes a growth cycle where it can be pruned to encourage vigorous new growth and enhance flowering for the subsequent season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Barbara Jackman', a beloved ornamental vine, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is generally performed in the spring when the plant's new growth is soft and green, often around May or early June. To propagate by cuttings, a 3 to 4-inch (7.6 to 10.2 cm) portion of a non-flowering shoot is snipped just below a set of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to facilitate root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, with about half of its length buried and kept moist but not waterlogged. A plastic bag or a propagator can be used to maintain high humidity, which is conducive to rooting. Root formation typically takes place within a few weeks, after which the new Clematis plants can be gradually acclimatized to less protected conditions before being planted out.
