Betty Corning Clematis Clematis 'Betty Corning' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Betty Corning' is a captivating climbing plant renowned for its profuse bloom of bell-shaped flowers. The flowers of this clematis are a soft lavender-pink hue and dangle elegantly from the vine. Each petal is slightly recurved, lending a graceful, nodding appearance to the blossoms that seem to dance in the breeze. The center of each flower is marked with delicate, creamy-white stamens that contrast beautifully with the subtle color of the petals. The leaves of Clematis 'Betty Corning' are bright green, compound, and often consist of multiple leaflets that are arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaflets are oval to lance-shaped with a glossy appearance, providing a lush backdrop for the profusion of blooms. The vine itself is slender and twining, capable of winding its way through trellises, arbors, or other support structures, creating a vertical tapestry of floral beauty. The charming appearance of this clematis variety is further enhanced by its pleasant scent, which can fill the garden with a sweet fragrance, especially during the peak of its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Betty Corning Clematis, Viticella Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Betty Corning' (Vt)
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis, which includes Clematis 'Betty Corning', can be toxic if ingested by humans. The plant contains compounds called glycosides which can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may also include mouth ulcers and dizziness. The severity of the reaction can vary based on the amount ingested and the individual sensitivity of the person. It is advised to avoid eating any part of the Clematis plant and to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.
To pets
The Clematis, which includes Clematis 'Betty Corning', is also toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant can result in similar symptoms as observed in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms could include low blood pressure and tremors if a significant amount is ingested. If you suspect your pet has consumed any part of a Clematis plant, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces abundant, small, lavender-pink, nodding flowers with a delightful fragrance, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long flowering season from early summer to early autumn, providing continual visual interest.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be grown on trellises, walls, arbours, and pergolas, or allowed to scramble through shrubs and trees.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blooms can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Hardy Plant: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Pruning Flexibility: Allows for pruning group 3, which means it can be cut back hard at the end of winter to stimulate new growth and flowering.
- Height and Spread Control: Can easily be kept within bounds by pruning, making it suitable for smaller gardens.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid, Clematis 'Betty Corning' often exhibits increased robustness and disease resistance.
- Cultural and Historical Interest: Adds a touch of elegance to gardens that is reminiscent of traditional English or cottage-style landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fragrant addition to bouquets: The pleasantly scented flowers of Clematis 'Betty Corning' can be added to floral arrangements to provide a subtle, sweet fragrance.
- Photography backdrops: The delicate flowers and vines can serve as a natural and beautiful backdrop for portrait and macro photography.
- Living screens or fences: When trained on trellises or fences, this clematis can provide semi-private living screens for outdoor areas.
- Support for other plants: The sturdy structure of mature Clematis 'Betty Corning' vines can support lighter climbing plants that may need a helping 'stem'.
- Textile dyeing: Historically, some clematis species have been used to obtain dyes for textiles, though experimentation with 'Betty Corning' may yield unique colors.
- Education and science: Can be used as a subject in botany classes for studying plant growth habits, pollination mechanisms, and vine support structures.
- Theme gardens: This variety can be featured in Victorian or cottage-style gardens, providing an authentic historical aesthetic.
- Seasonal wreaths: Flowers and vines of Clematis 'Betty Corning' can be interwoven into wreaths for decoration during the blooming season.
- Container gardening: Although typically grown in the ground, it can be cultivated in large pots or containers where ground space is limited or soil conditions are poor.
- Memory gardens: As a perennial with significant blooming each year, it can be planted in memory gardens to celebrate and remember loved ones.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis 'Betty Corning' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity: The Clematis 'Betty Corning' is known for its ability to adapt and grow in various conditions, symbolizing creative problem-solving and the ability to thrive in different environments.
- Mental Beauty: Clematis flowers are often associated with the beauty of thought, intellect, and the intricate complexity of the mind, reflecting the delicate and thoughtful nature of their appearance.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its unique and intricate blossoms, the 'Betty Corning' variety of clematis is frequently linked to creativity and the muse of art, making it a symbol for those seeking inspiration or artistic expression.
- Aspiration and Determination: As a climbing plant, Clematis 'Betty Corning' can symbolize aspiration and the will to reach higher grounds or achieve greater goals, akin to the plant's tendency to grow upwards towards the light.
WaterThe Clematis, commonly known as Betty Corning, should be watered thoroughly to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it's crucial to water the plant once a week with about one gallon of water. Clematis roots prefer a cool, moist environment, so during hot spells, increase watering to twice a week. In winter, reduce watering to prevent the roots from rotting in cold, wet soil. If the plant is in a container, ensure adequate drainage and adjust watering frequency based on soil dryness.
LightBetty Corning Clematis thrives in conditions where it receives about six hours of sunlight per day. The ideal spot would be one where its roots are shaded but the vine can climb into the sunlight, such as at the base of a trellis with ground cover, or with mulch to keep the root zone cool. This clematis should not be placed in deep shade as it might impede flowering.
TemperatureThe Betty Corning Clematis prefers a temperate climate and can generally endure temperatures between -30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing conditions are between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold with mulch around its base and keep it well-hydrated during hot temperatures.
PruningPrune Betty Corning Clematis to encourage strong growth and a bountiful bloom. In late winter or early spring, cut back the plant to the first pair of strong buds about 1 to 2 feet off the ground. This type of Clematis blooms on current year's growth, so annual pruning also helps remove any old, dead material and invigorates the plant for the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Betty Corning' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil recipe includes two parts loamy garden soil, one part compost, and one part grit or perlite for improved drainage. Regularly check the soil's pH and adjust accordingly with lime or sulfur to maintain an optimal range for the Clematis.
RepottingClematis 'Betty Corning' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant shows signs of being pot-bound. It's best to repot during early spring before the growing season begins, using the aforementioned soil mix for optimal growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Betty Corning' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable. It is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases. Average room humidity should be sufficient, but avoid placing it in overly dry or excessively humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Clematis 'Betty Corning' near a bright window and use a trellis.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to part shade and a support structure for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Betty Corning' begins its life as a dormant bare root or small potted cutting, typically planted in early spring or fall. After planting, the roots establish and soon sprouts emerge, rapidly growing vines with the support of trellises or other structures. Throughout the growing season, it develops compound leaves and elongated tendrils that facilitate climbing. From midsummer to early autumn, it produces profuse, small, bell-shaped, lavender-pink flowers with a delightful fragrance, attracting pollinators. Post-flowering, it may produce feathery seed heads that release seeds, which can cause the plant to self-seed in suitable conditions. During winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, especially in colder climates, and it enters dormancy until the warmth of spring stimulates new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Clematis 'Betty Corning', also commonly known as Clematis, is frequently propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for this is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing and the stems are green and pliable. To propagate Clematis 'Betty Corning' from cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem with at least two sets of leaves. The cutting should be made just below a leaf joint, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and then planted in a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix. It is crucial to maintain humidity around the cuttings, so covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse is beneficial. Rooting can take several weeks, after which the new Clematis plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted into their final positions.
