Clematis Clematis 'Blue Belle' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Blue Belle' is a striking plant well-known for its vibrant display of flowers. The blooms are a magnificent shade of blue, each showcasing a rounded shape with a multitude of slender petals radiating from the center. The striking petals can often exhibit slightly wavy edges, giving them a delicate and graceful appearance. At the heart of each flower, you would typically find a contrasting tuft of creamy, pale yellow stamens, which add a dash of color that makes the blue petals even more vivid. The flowers are carried on slender stalks and emerge from new growth, creating a profusion of color that can make the plant a true standout in any garden. The leaves of Clematis 'Blue Belle' are green and provide a lush backdrop for the flowers. They have a satin-like sheen and can be quite dense, which creates a beautiful contrast with the brightness of the blooms. The leaves typically show a compound form, comprising smaller leaflets which combine to create an overall full and healthy look to the foliage. The growth habit of this plant encourages it to twine and climb, making it suitable for growing up trellises, fences, or other supports. This vining character adds to the ornamental value of the plant, allowing it to bring vertical interest to gardens and landscapes. Clematis 'Blue Belle's overall ambiance is one of romantic charm and captivating color. Its attractive appearance and the ability to produce a profusion of blooms make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who are looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Blue Belle Clematis, Virgin's Bower.
Common names
Clematis 'Blue Belle' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis 'Blue Belle', commonly known as the Virgin's Bower, contains compounds that are toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe digestive upset. The symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, skin contact with the plant's sap can result in dermatitis or skin irritation. It is important to handle the plant with care and ensure that no part of it is ingested to avoid these toxic effects.
To pets
Virgin's Bower is also toxic to pets. If pets ingest any part of the plant, they may experience similar symptoms to those in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting Virgin's Bower can lead to neurological issues or even organ damage. Pet owners should be cautious and prevent their pets from having access to this plant to avoid potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife 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
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal - Clematis 'Blue Belle' adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant blue-violet flowers.
- Versatile Climber - This plant can climb trellises, walls, and arches, making it ideal for vertical gardening.
- Seasonal Interest - It blooms from late spring to early autumn, offering long-lasting color and texture.
- Wildlife Attractor - The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.
- Privacy Screen - When grown on structures, it can provide a natural privacy screen.
- Easy to Combine - It pairs well with other plants, allowing for creative garden designs with complementary colors and shapes.
- Hardiness - Clematis 'Blue Belle' is relatively hardy and can withstand cooler climates.
- Pruning Flexibility - It can be pruned according to desired size and shape, fitting various garden styles.
- Soil Adaptability - It can adapt to a range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Longevity - Being a perennial plant, it can grace the garden with its presence for many years with proper care.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Blue Belle' can be used in artistic floral arrangements for its vibrant blue flowers; the blooms provide a unique aesthetic that can be very striking in both fresh and dried form.
- The climbing nature of this plant can be employed to create natural privacy screens on fences or walls, adding beauty while establishing a secluded area in the garden.
- It can be trained to grow over arbors or trellises, resulting in a picturesque garden feature that supports biodiversity by attracting pollinators.
- 'Blue Belle' vines can be woven into living crowns or ceremonial garlands for garden parties or outdoor weddings, integrating the natural flora into event décor.
- This plant can be used as a natural dye source; the petals may yield shades of blue and purple for textile or craft projects.
- The stems of the 'Blue Belle' can be used in basketry, where they are intertwined to create ornamental garden baskets that blend functionality with a natural aesthetic.
- Photographers might use Clematis 'Blue Belle' as a vivid backdrop for portrait photography, utilizing the rich colors and textures to enhance the visual appeal of their photos.
- Edging paths or walkways with this plant can enhance the sensory experience of a garden, with its flowers offering both visual appeal and a subtle fragrance.
- Clematis 'Blue Belle' can be a source of inspiration for artists and designers, who might use its form and color as a basis for patterns in textiles, wallpapers, or other decorative elements.
- In educational settings, it can be used to demonstrate plant growth habits, flowering cycles, and pruning techniques to students studying horticulture or botany.
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 Intellect: The complex structure of Clematis flowers is often associated with human ingenuity and creativity, symbolizing the ability to think through complex problems.
- Beauty and Artistry: 'Blue Belle', with its striking blue petals, is commonly a symbol of natural beauty and artistic inspiration, reflecting an appreciation for aesthetics.
- Mental Strength: Due to its vigorous growth habit and resilience, Clematis can symbolize mental tenacity and the strength to persevere through challenges.
- Spiritual Pursuit: The upward climbing nature of the plant suggests a spiritual or intellectual ascent, making it a symbol of seeking higher realms of knowledge or enlightenment.
- Traveler's Joy: This is a common name for some Clematis species and it symbolizes the joy and anticipation of new adventures, possibly reflecting the plant's own journey as it climbs and explores its environment.
WaterThe Clematis 'Blue Belle', also known as Virgin's Bower, thrives with consistent moisture. Aim to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened but not soggy. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, possibly twice a week, to maintain soil moisture. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases and focus on watering at the base of the plant.
LightVirgin's Bower prefers well-lit conditions with some protection from intense, direct afternoon sunlight. The best spot for this clematis is one where it can enjoy morning sun and then be shielded from the harsher rays of the afternoon, either by light shade or a strategically placed structure. An east or west-facing location is typically ideal for providing these conditions.
TemperatureVirgin's Bower can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F to 75°F. It's hardy and can survive brief periods of winter chill down to about -20°F. However, optimal growth occurs within the moderate temperature range, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold outside of these limits can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPruning Virgin's Bower encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering. Prune these clematis in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak stems and cutting the remaining stems back to strong buds. This plant flowers on new growth, so annual pruning will not hurt your chances of a beautiful display. The best time for pruning is when the buds begin to swell but before they have fully opened.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Blue Belle' is well-draining, moisture-retentive loam with a pH close to neutral, around 6.5 to 7. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and assist with water retention.
RepottingClematis 'Blue Belle' tends to be repotted less often as it is a perennial vine. Repotting is generally necessary every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Blue Belle' prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of different humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture is adequately maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure strong support, bright indirect light, and consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, provide support, sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Clematis 'Blue Belle' begins with seed germination, which is typically slow and can require a period of cold stratification to break seed dormancy. Once germinated, seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a focus on establishing a strong root system and foliage growth. As the plant matures, it enters its flowering stage, where it produces vibrant blue-violet flowers, often starting from late spring to early summer, and this can continue in flushes throughout the growing season if conditions are favorable. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads that release seeds towards the end of summer or in autumn, completing the reproductive cycle. During the dormant stage in winter, the plant's above-ground growth dies back, but the root system remains alive, ready to regrow in the spring. To maintain vitality and promote flowering, the plant may be pruned in late winter or early spring, depending on its flowering group, as Clematis 'Blue Belle' is often classified in pruning group 2 or 3.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: Clematis 'Blue Belle', a variety of Clematis, can be propagated most successfully by layering in late winter or early spring. The process involves selecting a healthy, flexible stem and gently bending it towards the soil. A small notch is made in the stem where it touches the ground, which is then covered with soil and held in place using a U-shaped pin or a heavy stone. The point of contact with the soil will encourage the development of roots. After a few months, when sufficient roots have formed, the new plant can be cut from the parent and transplanted to its desired location. This method leverages the plant's natural tendency to root wherever a stem is in contact with moist soil, making it an accessible option for gardeners to increase their Clematis 'Blue Belle' collection.
