Clematis Bill MacKenzie Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' (Ta)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', also known simply as clematis, is a visually striking plant with a robust climbing habit. Its stems are slender but powerful, intertwining gracefully with any supporting structure, such as trellises or fences, which allows the plant to display its beauty vertically. The leaves are bright green with a compound structure, each leaf consisting of several smaller leaflets, which often appear as a textured backdrop to the flowers. The clematis blooms profusely from midsummer through fall, showcasing its bell-shaped flowers that hang down like elegant lanterns. These flowers are a vibrant yellow hue, adding a splash of sunlight to any garden. The centers of the blooms are highlighted by a tuft of creamy stamens, giving them a delicate, frilly appearance that contrasts beautifully against the petals. After the flowering season, the clematis develops ornamental seed heads that are fluffy and silver in color. These seed heads add an interesting textural element to the plant's appearance throughout the colder months. Dense and eye-catching, the clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' brings a touch of lively elegance with its bright blooms and decorative seed heads, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add vertical interest to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', Old Man's Beard, Tangutica Clematis.
Common names
Clematis orientalis 'Bill MacKenzie', Clematis tangutica 'Bill MacKenzie'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', contains toxic compounds that can cause mild toxicity when ingested. Consumption of the plant can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, it can also cause mouth irritation and ulcers due to the presence of irritating glycosides and saponins. The severity of the symptoms often depends on the amount consumed. It is recommended to seek medical advice if any part of a clematis plant has been ingested.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', is also toxic to pets. If cats or dogs consume parts of the clematis plant, they may experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingesting clematis can lead to more severe gastrointestinal upset. The presence of irritant compounds in the plant can cause mouth pain and difficulty swallowing. If you suspect your pet has ingested clematis, it is important to contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
12 feet (3.65 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.82 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' produces an abundance of flowers that draw in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which are essential for a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Ornamental Value: With its large, bright yellow flowers and attractive seed heads, this clematis adds visual interest to any garden, fence, or trellis, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the landscape.
- Vertical Gardening: Ideal for vertical gardening, this plant can be trained to climb up structures, thus saving space and creating dynamic height in garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' blooms from midsummer to late autumn, providing a long season of interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being hardy and relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' can tolerate periods of drought, which is particularly useful in dryer climates or during water restrictions.
- Companion Planting: This clematis can be paired with a variety of other plants like roses and shrubs to create diverse plantings that enhance the overall garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' can be trained over structures like pergolas and arbors to create natural shade areas in gardens or patios.
- The vine's climbing habit makes it ideal for growing on trellises and creating living privacy screens between neighboring properties or along fences.
- The dried seed heads of the Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' can be used in floral arrangements to add a unique texture and visual interest.
- This plant's vigorous growth can be harnessed to cover unsightly features in the landscape like old stumps or decrepit sheds.
- The Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' can be used as a ground cover in large areas where its sprawling habit helps control soil erosion.
- Instructional classes or workshops on how to prune and care for clematis vines can utilize 'Bill MacKenzie' as a hands-on training specimen due to its robust nature.
- Gardeners may use this variety as a teaching tool to demonstrate the importance of planting for pollinators as it attracts bees and butterflies.
- The plant can be grown in large containers on balconies or patios for those who don't have a traditional garden space but still wish to enjoy its flowers.
- Farmers and vineyard owners sometimes plant Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' along the edge of their fields as a decorative border that also benefits from the vine's compatibility with many rural environments.
- Photographers and artists might seek out the Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' for its vibrant yellow blossoms and striking seed heads as subjects for their work.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Inventiveness: With its propensity for climbing and adapting to structures, the clematis symbolizes creative thinking and the ability to find unique solutions to problems.
- Mental Beauty: The clematis is often associated with the beauty of the mind, perhaps because of its intricate and detailed flowers that suggest a complex, intellectual beauty.
- Resilience: As clematis can thrive in various climates and return year after year, it symbolizes resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Artistic Inspiration: Many people find the sight of clematis inspiring, which lends to its association with artistic and creative endeavors.
WaterThe Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', commonly known as the Clematis tangutica, should be watered deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per session during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall. It's important to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In hot summer conditions, you may need to increase the frequency to twice per week, especially for plants in containers. Clematis roots prefer to remain cool and moist, so using mulch can help retain soil moisture. During the winter months, decrease watering as the plant's growth slows down, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightClematis 'Bill MacKenzie' thrives best in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. The ideal spot would provide the plant with morning sun and some shade or protection during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent scorching. Ensure the roots are shaded, either by other low-growing plants or a mulch layer, while the vines can climb towards the sun.
TemperatureClematis 'Bill MacKenzie' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best in environments where the average temperature ranges from 55°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. Extreme heat above 95°F may stress the plant, so providing afternoon shade in hotter climates is beneficial.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie' encourages healthy growth and better flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins by cutting the plant back to about 12 to 18 inches above ground level. This variety blooms on current season's growth, so annual hard pruning will help induce vigorous vines and a prolific bloom display. The best time for pruning is when the buds begin to swell but haven't yet opened.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', commonly known as the late large-flowered clematis, should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH close to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.5). A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can create an ideal environment for this plant.
RepottingThe late large-flowered clematis typically does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. If growth appears stunted or the soil is exhausted, repotting every 3 to 4 years may be beneficial.
Humidity & MistingThe late large-flowered clematis thrives best in outdoor environments where humidity is naturally regulated. In general, average ambient humidity is adequate for this plant, without the need for specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright indirect light, keep soils consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Bill MacKenzie', commonly known as Old Man's Beard, starts its life as a seed, requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated in spring, the seedling grows rapidly, producing a climbing vine that relies on surrounding structures or plants for support. Over the summer, it develops compound leaves and by late summer to fall, the plant showcases its distinctive yellow lantern-like flowers, which are highly favored for ornamental purposes. After pollination, these flowers change into the characteristic fluffy seed heads, resembling an old man's beard, which aid in seed dispersal. The plant is perennial, and after a period of winter dormancy, it will resume growth the following spring from the same root system, repeating its cycle. Pruning in late winter or early spring is crucial for managing its size and promoting vigorous growth, with this species having the ability to live and flourish for many years under suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie', often referred to as the Clematis tangutica 'Bill MacKenzie', can be propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings during the mid-summer months. A common method involves selecting a healthy shoot and cutting a length of approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), making sure there are at least two sets of leaves. The cut end should be dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The cutting needs to be placed in a warm but shaded spot and covered with a plastic bag or placed inside a propagator to maintain high humidity. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots often develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
