Bourbon Clematis Clematis Bourbon = 'Evipo018' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis Bourbon, known for its exuberant flowering habit, boasts large, velvety flowers whose colors can be described as a rich, deep raspberry red, adding a touch of luxury to any garden. The petals display a subtle sheen and often exhibit a brighter, almost magenta bar down the center, which melds into the deeper red tones. As the flowers mature, they can develop a more mellow, purple-red hue, providing a beautiful color gradient over the blooming season. The plant produces an abundance of these showy flowers, which typically consist of six broad, slightly overlapping petals joined at a central point where a fluffy, light yellow to cream-colored boss of stamen adds a contrasting touch and visual interest. This stunning color combination makes Clematis Bourbon a standout among garden plants. Its leaves are a deep, rich green with a glossy texture, providing a perfect backdrop to the vivid blooms. They are divided into leaflets that often have a leathery appearance and are arranged alternately along the plant's climbing stems. The intertwining growth habit allows Clematis Bourbon to provide vertical interest in the garden by climbing up trellises, fences, or other supports. This growth pattern makes it a versatile choice for adding height to a planting scheme without a specific mention of its size. The overall impression of Clematis Bourbon is one of regal elegance, with its sumptuous flowers standing out against its dark, luxuriant foliage. Its generous flowering period and attractive form make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a plant with a dramatic visual impact.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Clematis Bourbon, Bourbon Clematis
Common names
Clematis Bourbon = 'Evipo018' (PBR) (EL)
- Toxicity
To humans
Clematis, including the Clematis Bourbon variety, can be toxic if ingested by humans. The plant contains toxic compounds called glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may progress to include mouth ulcers and internal bleeding. Skin contact with the sap may also cause irritation and dermatitis in some individuals. It is advised to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested or if skin irritation occurs after handling the plant.
To pets
Clematis, which includes the Clematis Bourbon variety, is also toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause similar symptoms as in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible irritations on the skin or mucous membranes. Ingesting clematis can lead to gastrointestinal upset and may require veterinary care, especially if signs of poisoning appear. It is important to keep pets away from this plant to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Clematis Bourbon features large, vibrant blooms that add a splash of color to any garden space.
- Long Flowering Period: It typically blooms from late spring to early autumn, providing extended visual interest.
- Vertical Growth: As a climbing vine, it is ideal for growing up trellises, walls, and arches, which helps maximize vertical space in the garden.
- Easy Pruning: Group 2 Clematis like Bourbon requires light pruning, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers or garden beds, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It can provide seasonal interest when combined with other plants that have different blooming times.
- 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 can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering subtle hues to textiles.
- Ink making from Clematis Bourbon can be explored, utilizing its pigments for artistic or calligraphic purposes.
- The climbing nature of Clematis allows it to be trained over structures to create living sculptures or topiaries in gardens.
- Clematis petals can be utilized in potpourri for their color and texture, although they have a mild scent.
- The vine can be used in educational settings to teach about climbing plant mechanisms and plant biology.
- Clematis leaves can be included in compositions for leaf pressing and botanical art works.
- It can serve as a habitat plant, providing shelter and simple resources for certain fauna like insects.
- Clematis seed heads are interesting in floral arrangements, providing an ornamental touch with their wispy, feather-like appearance.
- Photographers and nature lovers might use this plant as a subject for photography due to its vibrant flowers and stages of growth.
- It can play a role in sensory gardens, with its texture and form adding to the tactile and visual experience.
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
- Mental Agility: Clematis plants in general are believed to symbolize the trait of mental agility due to their intricate and intelligent way of growing and climbing.
- Ingeniousness: Their ability to adapt and find pathways to ascend is seen as a sign of ingeniousness and resourcefulness.
- Aspiration: With their climbing habit, clematis is often associated with aspiration and striving towards goals, mirroring our own journeys to reach higher in life.
- Artistic Creativity: The Clematis Bourbon’s vibrant and velvety blooms are indicative of an artistic or creative flair, symbolizing inspiration and expression.
- Beauty: The plant's rich, colored flowers signify beauty and admiration, making it a perfect symbol for something or someone that captivates you.
- Fulfillment: The plentiful flowering of the Clematis Bourbon may represent a sense of fulfillment or achievement, as the plant reaches its full blooming potential.
- Water
The Clematis 'Bourbon' needs to be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; typically, this may be once a week, though frequency may increase during particularly hot or dry periods. Apply water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, ensuring that it receives a deep watering that reaches the roots. The amount of water required can vary based on the plant's environment and weather conditions, but as a guideline, each plant should receive about 1 gallon of water per week under normal conditions.
- Light
Clematis 'Bourbon' thrives best in a spot that offers full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would provide it with about six hours of sunlight a day, preferably morning light with some afternoon shade to protect it during the hottest part of the day.
- Temperature
Clematis 'Bourbon' prefers a temperature range between 45°F to 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. The optimal growing temperatures for this Clematis are within the 65°F to 75°F range.
- Pruning
Clematis 'Bourbon' should be pruned to encourage strong growth and to shape the plant. In late winter or early spring, prune to remove any dead or weak stems and to cut the plant back to the desired size, leaving at least two strong sets of buds on each stem. Pruning is typically done once annually.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Clematis Bourbon prefers well-draining soil with good fertility, ideally a mix of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure. It thrives in a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0 to 7.5.
- Repotting
Clematis Bourbon, typically grown outdoors, does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis Bourbon is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average garden conditions without the need for special humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, support for climbing, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part shade, provide support, and mulch the base.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Clematis 'Bourbon', a type of flowering vine, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in moist, well-draining soil. Upon germination, it develops a small root system and shoots that grow until they form a few leaves and the plant enters the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth. As the vine matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, producing vibrant, large flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, which are enclosed in fluffy seed heads, marking the plant's reproductive stage. Throughout the growing season, it continues to produce new shoots and leaves, and with proper care, it may enter a period of dormancy during colder months before beginning a new growth cycle in the spring. Pruning and maintenance are essential during its life to ensure robust growth and plentiful blooms in successive years.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
The Clematis 'Bourbon', known for its large, vibrant flowers, is most commonly propagated through layering. This method is best done in late winter or early spring before the plant starts its rapid growth phase. To propagate clematis by layering, you'll need to choose a long, healthy stem and gently bend it to the ground. Make a small incision or nick in the stem where it touches the soil, to encourage rooting. Then, secure this portion of the stem in place with a U-shaped pin or a heavy rock, and cover it lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist to ensure optimal rooting conditions. Over time, roots will form at the incision site, and once they are well-established, which could take several months, the new plant can be severed from the parent and transplanted.