Clematis Clematis 'Belle of Woking' (EL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Belle of Woking' is characterized by its showy, multi-petaled flowers, which exhibit a delicate silvery mauve coloration. These blossoms are distinct and attention-grabbing, with the petals often presenting a slight recurve that adds to their visual complexity and allure. The center of each flower is adorned with a tuft of smaller, paler stamens, which contrast nicely against the deeper tones of the petals. The plant itself boasts a climbing habit, which allows it to gracefully intertwine with structures such as trellises, arbors, or fences. Throughout its blooming season, the Clematis 'Belle of Woking' becomes a dense curtain of floral beauty, creating an enchanting point of interest in any garden or landscape where it is displayed. Its leaves are green, providing a lush backdrop for the striking flowers. These leaves are compound, with leaflets that are arranged oppositely along the stems, giving the foliage an overall textured appearance. When not in bloom, the foliage alone contributes a vibrant greenery that complements other plants in its vicinity. Overall, the Clematis 'Belle of Woking' is a cultivar that brings elegance and charm to gardens with its unique, silvery-lavender flowers and its climbing, verdant foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Belle of Woking Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Belle of Woking' (EL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, specifically the 'Belle of Woking' variety, can be toxic if ingested. The plant contains irritant glycosides known as protoanemonin, which can cause symptoms upon consumption such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Contact with the skin may also lead to dermatitis, redness, itching, or blistering.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Belle of Woking' variety, is similarly toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion may result in ataxia or muscle tremors. The primary toxic component, protoanemonin, can lead to irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract leading to the observed symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Belle of Woking' provides aesthetic value to gardens with its large, showy double silver-mauve flowers.
- Garden Structure: As a climbing vine, it can be trained on trellises, arbors, or fences, adding vertical interest to garden spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination of surrounding plants.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers multi-season visual interest, with lush foliage in spring and summer, often followed by attractive seed heads in the fall.
- Space Maximization: Ideal for small gardens or spaces, as it grows upwards and can be planted where ground space is limited.
- Variety: As a cultivar with unique characteristics, it adds diversity to plant collections and landscapes.
- Privacy: When grown on structures, it can provide privacy to outdoor living spaces.
- Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated from stem cuttings to create more plants for other areas or to share with other gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: It often enjoys a long flowering period from late spring to early summer, extending the colorful display in gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Belle of Woking' can be used as a natural dye source, providing shades of green or yellow, depending on the mordant used during the dyeing process.
- This variety of clematis can be trained to grow over garden sculptures, making for a dynamic and living art piece within a landscape.
- When dried, the delicate and intricate vines can be woven into baskets or other forms of craftwork, adding a rustic touch to decor.
- The plant's vines can be manipulated to create natural garden fences or privacy screens, offering an eco-friendly alternative to manmade barriers.
- Clematis 'Belle of Woking' can serve as a natural habitat for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- As an educational tool, this clematis variety can be used to teach about climbing plant habits and the importance of supporting structures in horticulture.
- It can be used for seasonal decoration, where its flowers and vines can adorn entryways or porches, especially during spring and summer.
- The plant's attractive blooms can be used as a photography backdrop or subject, adding natural beauty to the composition of outdoor portraits.
- Clematis 'Belle of Woking' can be used in thematic gardens, such as Victorian or cottage-style gardens, to maintain historical accuracy in plant selection.
- Finally, the fallen petals can be collected and used as a natural confetti for outdoor celebrations and ceremonies, creating a biodegradable alternative to synthetic confetti.
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 'Belle of Woking' often represents cleverness and intellectual dexterity. Its ability to climb and adapt can be seen as a metaphor for mental sharpness and nimbleness.
- Ingenuity: With its abundant and intricate blooms, this plant can symbolize the ability to think creatively and inventively, much like its ornate petals.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking appearance of Clematis 'Belle of Woking' can stand for the muse of an artist, embodying beauty and the flowering of creative thought.
- Aspiration: Similar to other climbing plants, this clematis variety may represent one's aspirations and striving towards betterment or higher goals, reflecting the plant's natural upward growth.
WaterClematis 'Belle of Woking', commonly known as Clematis, should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, especially in the growing season. Typically, watering thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant is sufficient, but this may need to be increased during hot, dry spells to twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water directly at the base of the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down and its water requirements decrease.
LightClematis 'Belle of Woking' prefers a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The best spot is one where the plant's roots are shaded, either by a low-growing shrub or a mulch layer, but the foliage and flowers are in full sun to partial shade. Avoid overly shaded areas, as this can reduce blooming and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureClematis 'Belle of Woking' thrives best in temperatures ranging from around 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations, especially during the growing season.
PruningClematis 'Belle of Woking' should be pruned to promote healthy growth, enhance flowering, and maintain a desirable shape. This variety should be pruned in late winter or early spring, as it blooms on the current year's growth. Cut back all the old stems to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above ground level, which will encourage new growth and a profusion of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Double Clematis requires well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5 to 7.5). A good soil mix for Double Clematis should contain loamy garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and a component like perlite or grit to enhance drainage. Mulching is beneficial to keep the roots cool and moist.
RepottingDouble Clematis typically does not need frequent repotting; every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Spring is the best season for repotting to minimize stress and allow the plant to establish in the new soil before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingDouble Clematis plants thrive in moderate humidity conditions, much like what they would encounter in their natural outdoor environment. Aim for ambient outdoor humidity levels, avoiding both excessively dry and very high humidity conditions to maintain plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, ample support for climbing, and cool feet.
Outdoor
Provide sun or part shade, cool roots, and a structure to climb.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Clematis 'Belle of Woking' begins with germination from seed, although many gardeners start with nursery-purchased plants. After germination, it enters a vegetative stage, producing a robust root system and climbing stems with compound leaves. Once established, it develops buds that bloom in late spring to early summer, unveiling its double silvery-mauve flowers. Post-flowering, the plant may produce feathery seed heads if pollination occurs. In subsequent years, it follows a perennial lifecycle, dying back to the woody stem in winter and regrowing in spring to repeat the flowering cycle. Proper pruning, based on its classification as a Group 2 clematis, is essential for maintaining health and encouraging re-blooming in late summer or early fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Belle of Woking', also commonly known as just Clematis, can be propagated most effectively by layering, though it is also possible using seeds or cuttings. Layering is usually done in late winter or early spring. This method involves bending a stem toward the ground and covering a portion of it with soil while still attached to the parent plant. Over time, roots will develop at the point of contact with the soil. Once a good root system has been established, the new plant can be cut from the main plant and transplanted elsewhere. This method is ideal for Clematis as it ensures the new plant maintains the characteristics of the parent, something that can be more variable when grown from seed.
