Blue Angel Clematis Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol' (LL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol', commonly known as the Blue Angel Clematis, is a visually striking flowering vine. The Blue Angel Clematis showcases large, eye-catching flowers that can be the centerpiece of any garden display. Each bloom has a delicate appearance, usually featuring a soft, sky-blue hue that gives the plant its name. The petals are broad and slightly overlapping, with a satin-like texture and a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully. At the center of the flower, a cluster of pale yellow stamens creates a lovely contrast with the blue petals, adding to the plant's overall charm and appeal. The foliage of the Blue Angel Clematis is lush and green, providing a verdant background for the flowers to shine against. Its leaves are compound, with each leaf section having a smooth edge and a pointed tip, adding to the graceful appearance of the plant. Throughout its blooming period, the vine produces an abundance of these stunning flowers, which can transform any supporting structure like a trellis, arbor, or wall into a vertical garden of blue blossoms. The overall visual effect of the Blue Angel Clematis is one of tranquility and beauty, making it a beloved choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of serenity to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Blue Angel Clematis, Clematis 'Blue Angel'.
Common names
Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol' (LL).
- Toxicity
To humans
Clematis, specifically the Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol' variety, can be toxic when ingested. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, more severe symptoms may occur including mouth ulcers and irritation of the throat. Skin contact with the sap may also lead to dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Blekitny Aniol' variety, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of the plant can cause similar symptoms as observed in humans, including vomiting, hypersalivation, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can lead to signs of more systemic involvement such as weakness and lethargy. Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation or dermatitis. It is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting any parts of the plant to avoid these toxic effects.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
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
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol', commonly known as Blue Angel Clematis, boasts stunning, large blue flowers that can enhance the beauty of any garden space.
- Vertical Gardening: Blue Angel Clematis is an excellent choice for vertical gardening because it is a climbing vine that can cover walls, trellises, or pergolas, making the most of limited space.
- Seasonal Interest: It has a long blooming period, typically from mid-summer to early autumn, providing a lengthy display of color and interest in the garden.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense foliage and vining habit, Blue Angel Clematis can provide a natural privacy screen when grown along fences or trellises.
- Wildlife Attractant: The vibrant flowers of the Blue Angel Clematis attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This clematis variety is generally easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatility: Blue Angel Clematis can be grown in a variety of soil types and prefers both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Clematis vines like 'Blekitny Aniol' can be used in basketry; their flexible stems can be woven into baskets and other decorative objects.
- They can serve as a natural dye source; the petals of some clematis flowers can be used to produce a gentle dye for fabrics or yarn.
- These plants can be planted to cover unsightly features in the garden such as old stumps or utility boxes, providing a living camouflage.
- Clematis can be used as living curtains to provide privacy in an outdoor patio or balcony by training them up a trellis or similar structure.
- Vines such as the Clematis can be trained over arbors or pergolas to create a shady retreat during the warm summer months.
- Some gardeners use clematis plants to create a natural fence or boundary by growing them along a wire or wooden fence lines.
- Clematis can be a source of inspiration for artists and photographers, drawing attention with their intricate blooms and foliage.
- They can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant growth habits and climber-support interactions.
- Beekeepers might plant clematis to provide an additional nectar source for bees, thus supporting local pollinator populations.
- These climbing plants can also add vertical interest in container gardens when grown in large pots with appropriate supports.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Intelligence - Clematis, also known as "Traveler's Joy," can symbolize mental prowess as it climbs intelligently towards the light.
- Artistic Inspiration - Its beautiful blooms are often associated with creativity and the muse, lending inspiration to artists and poets.
- Aspiration and Determination - Given the climbing nature of Clematis, it often signifies striving to reach higher levels of consciousness or achievement.
- Spiritual Enlightenment - Some believe that because the Clematis grows upwards, it represents a quest for spiritual enlightenment.
- Perseverance - Its ability to grip onto surfaces and continue growing mirrors the human traits of perseverance and resilience.
- Water
The Clematis 'Blue Angel' prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. To maintain proper moisture, water your clematis with approximately 1 gallon of water once a week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week to ensure the soil remains moist. It is essential to avoid overhead watering; instead, direct water to the base of the plant to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Make sure the plant has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
- Light
The 'Blue Angel' Clematis thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They perform best if their roots are shaded and cool, while the vines and flowers receive around 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you plant it against a structure, ensure it gets ample morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun.
- Temperature
Clematis 'Blue Angel' is hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to around -30°F, making it suitable for many climates. However, it thrives in conditions where the temperature ranges between 55°F and 75°F. During the growing season, protect the plant from extreme heat by providing shade for the roots.
- Pruning
Prune 'Blue Angel' Clematis to encourage strong growth and flowering. This variety belongs to pruning group 3, meaning you should prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the plant back to about 1 foot tall, just above a set of strong buds. This keeps the plant tidy and stimulates healthy new growth which will flower in the same year.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Blue Angel Clematis flourishes best in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 7.0 and 7.5. A soil mix containing equal parts of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or perlite will create an ideal environment for this plant.
- Repotting
Blue Angel Clematis typically does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. When the plant becomes root-bound or the soil is exhausted, repotting may be done every 3-4 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Blue Angel Clematis prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally present and doesn't require specific humidity levels to thrive. It will do well in average garden humidity conditions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol', commonly known as the Blue Angel Clematis, begins its life as a seed that germinates when soil temperatures and moisture levels are suitable, typically in spring. The seedling develops a root system and shoots that grow into a vine, with leaves emerging and the plant undergoing vigorous growth during the growing season. As the vine matures, it will start to produce distinctive blue to lavender flowers, usually in its second year and more prolifically in subsequent years. After flowering, in late summer to autumn, it sets seed in the form of fluffy seed heads. During the winter, the Blue Angel Clematis enters a dormant phase, with the above-ground growth dying back, although the roots remain alive to conserve energy. As temperatures warm in the subsequent spring, the clematis resumes growth from buds along its stems or crown, completing its perennial cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Blue Angel', known scientifically as Clematis 'Blekitny Aniol', is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique is generally undertaken during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and the new stems are long enough to make cuttings. To perform this method, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6-inch section from a healthy stem, just below a set of leaves. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then placed in well-drained, moist potting soil, ensuring that at least one set of leaves remains above the soil surface. The pot should be placed in a warm area with indirect light, and the soil kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until roots have established, usually within several weeks.