Clematis Blue Light Clematis 'Blue Light' (PBR) (El/d)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Blue Light' is a captivating plant known for its luxurious double flowers which possess a charming hue of pale violet-blue. These beautiful blooms typically emerge in the late spring or early summer and can often reappear later in the season, showcasing their splendor once again. Each flower consists of lavishly layered petals that create a full, rounded appearance. The central stamens of the flower present a lighter, almost white or creamy color, punctuating the blue petals with a striking contrast. The foliage of the Clematis 'Blue Light' provides a lush backdrop for the blooms with its dark green leaves that have a glossy texture, adding to the overall visual appeal of the plant. This variety is appreciated not only for its floral beauty but also for its ability to climb, with the support of a trellis or similar structure, adding vertical interest to gardens and outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Double Clematis, Blue Light Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Blue Light' (PBR) (El/d).
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis 'Blue Light' is considered to be mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, this plant can cause digestive upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the clematis plant, as the glycoside compounds it contains can lead to these unpleasant symptoms.
To pets
The Clematis 'Blue Light' is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a clematis plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth ulcers due to irritation. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or consuming any part of a clematis plant to avoid these potential side effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Blue Light' features large, double or semi-double, mauve-blue flowers that are visually striking and enhance garden aesthetics.
- Vertical Gardening: It is a climbing plant, ideal for adding vertical interest to gardens by growing on trellises, fences, or arbors.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a display of blossoms typically in late spring to early summer, with a potential second bloom in autumn, offering multiple seasons of interest.
- Compact Size: This cultivar is considered more compact than some other clematis varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container planting.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers of the Clematis 'Blue Light' attract beneficial pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of the garden.
- Pruning Versatility: Belongs to Pruning Group 2, meaning it can be lightly pruned after the first flush of flowers, which is simpler than the pruning requirements of some other clematis varieties.
- Garden Integration: Offers a complementary look when planted alongside roses and other perennials, adding layered depth to 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- Artistic inspiration: Clematis 'Blue Light' can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, offering a striking blue hue and intricate petal structure to inspire paintings, drawings, and photography projects.
- Educational tool: Gardening enthusiasts or teachers might use the plant to demonstrate pruning techniques or to explain plant growth habits, given its climbing nature and maintenance requirements.
- Landscape design: With its attractive blooms, Clematis 'Blue Light' can be effectively used in landscape design, providing vertical interest by climbing trellises, walls, or arched gates.
- Privacy screen: When grown densely on structures, it can create a living, floral screen that provides privacy and beauty to outdoor seating areas or patios.
- Wildlife attraction: The plant can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in a garden and supporting ecosystem health.
- Floral arrangements: The vibrant and large blooms can be cut and included in floral arrangements or bouquets, adding a splash of color to interior spaces.
- Textile design: The pattern and color of Clematis 'Blue Light' flowers may inspire designs in the world of textiles, translating the natural aesthetic into fabric prints for clothing or home décor.
- Community projects: The plant can be included in community green spaces or public gardens, providing a sense of shared beauty and interest amongst community members.
- Seasonal celebrations: Clematis 'Blue Light' can be incorporated into festive décor for spring and summer events, offering a natural ornamentation that aligns with seasonal themes.
- Photography backdrop: The climbing nature and full blooms can be used as a ready-made backdrop for portrait photography, particularly in spring and early summer.
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 Intelligence: Clematis 'Blue Light' is often associated with cleverness and mental agility due to its intricate and adaptable growth habit, similar to the way it can wind and climb with agility and grace.
- Mental Beauty: With its striking blue blooms, this variety of clematis symbolizes the beauty of the mind, as well as the contemplation and meditation that often leads to intellectual growth.
- Spiritual Pursuits: The upward growth of the Clematis 'Blue Light' suggests a striving for higher understanding and enlightenment, making it a symbol for spiritual ascension and quests.
- Artistic Inspiration: The creative shape and shades of blue found in the flowers are linked to inspiration and artistic creativity, symbolizing the blossoming of ideas and expressive thoughts.
WaterThe Clematis 'Blue Light', commonly known as Clematis, should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil conditions, especially during the growing season. Aim to water the plant thoroughly, making sure the top inch of soil is moist without being waterlogged. Approximately 1 gallon of water should be provided per week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. During hot spells or drought, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy periods, less water is required. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, as Clematis prefers consistently moist soil.
LightClematis 'Blue Light' thrives best in a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant's roots should be shaded while the foliage and flowering parts enjoy sunlight. An eastern or northern exposure or a location with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Adequate sunlight is crucial for prolific blooming, so ensure the Clematis gets at least six hours of direct sun a day.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Blue Light' can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers to be in a region where the average is between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from harsh, cold winds. During summer, it's important to ensure the roots stay cool, which helps to keep the plant healthy at higher temperatures.
PruningPruning the Clematis 'Blue Light' encourages strong growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring when the buds begin to swell, by cutting back the previous year's growth to a strong pair of buds about 1 to 2 feet from the ground. This plant is in Group 2 for pruning, which means it can also benefit from a light pruning after the early summer blooming period to shape the plant and promote a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis 'Blue Light', commonly known as Clematis, thrives best in well-draining, moist soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level, between 6.5 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix can be made of equal parts garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or a quality compost that promotes fertility and drainage. Mulching around the plant base is beneficial to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingClematis 'Blue Light' generally does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same container for several years. Observing the plant, if it becomes root-bound or shows signs of stress, repotting every 3 to 4 years or when necessary into a larger container would be optimal.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Blue Light' prefers outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. It does not require specific humidity levels but benefits from being planted in an area where it can receive natural morning dew and ambient moisture without becoming too damp.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in large pot, bright spot, train on trellis.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained spot, support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Blue Light' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates into a young plant. It then grows into a climbing vine, often requiring support to reach sunlight. As it matures, the Clematis 'Blue Light' develops multiple stems and large, double, light blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer and often have a second bloom in later summer. After blooming, it goes through a phase of seed production, where pollinated flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind or animals. Throughout the growing season, it will experience vegetative growth, followed by a period of dormancy in winter where it loses leaves and slows its metabolism. As spring arrives, Clematis 'Blue Light' exits dormancy, resumes active growth, and prepares for the next blooming cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Clematis 'Blue Light', a popular variety of clematis known for its impressive double blue flowers, is most commonly propagated by layering, which is best performed in the spring. To do this, select a healthy, flexible stem and make a small wound on the lower side by cutting a small notch about one-third through the stem. Then, bend the stem down to the ground and secure it in place using a U-shaped pin or a heavy object, ensuring the wounded part is in contact with the soil. Cover the wounded section with soil, leaving the tip of the stem exposed. Over time, roots will develop from the wounded area. Once a good root system is established, which can take several months, the new plant can be cut from the parent and transplanted to a desired location.
