Clematis Clematis 'Brunette' (A)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Brunette' is a striking flowering climber that boasts a magnificent display of richly colored blooms. The flowers of this clematis are particularly remarkable, with deep purple to burgundy petals that bear a velvety sheen, giving them a sophisticated and alluring appearance. Each flower is composed of a number of rounded petals that overlap slightly, creating a full, lush look. At the center of each bloom, you'll find a contrasting cluster of pale yellow to creamy white stamens, which stand out boldly against the dark petals and draw the eye. The blooms have a large, prominent size that makes them a standout feature in any garden. The foliage of the Clematis 'Brunette' consists of dark green leaves that provide the perfect backdrop for the dramatic flowers. The leaves are typically compound, with a few leaflets arranged along a central stem. The leaflets have a smooth edge and are ovate to lance-shaped, with a glossy finish that catches the light and adds to the lively texture of the plant. As a climber, this clematis variety has a tendril-like growth habit, which allows it to wrap around structures like trellises, arbors, or fences. The plant displays a natural elegance as it climbs, with the foliage and flowers spilling over and creating a cascading effect. Overall, Clematis 'Brunette' is celebrated for its stunning floral display and serves as an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of luxury and drama to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Leather Flower, Traveller's Joy
Common names
Clematis 'Brunette'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Brunette' variety, contains compounds that can be harmful if ingested. It has irritating glycosides known as Ranunculins, which when chewed or ingested can be converted into protoanemonin, an irritant compound. If a person eats any part of a clematis plant, they may experience symptoms such as mouth pain, salivation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, clematis is also toxic to pets. If a pet, such as a dog or cat, ingests part of a clematis plant, it may experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly mouth or throat irritation. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount ingested and the sensitivity of the individual pet. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious complications such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea. Pet owners should keep clematis out of reach of their animals and seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis 'Brunette' provides aesthetic appeal with its deep purple flowers and contrasting anthers, making it a beautiful addition to garden spaces.
- Vertical Interest: Being a climbing vine, it can grow up trees, walls, and trellises, adding vertical dimension to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Color: Its blooming season brings vibrant color to the garden during the months when it flowers, often in late spring to early summer.
- Habitat Enrichment: It offers habitat and food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
- Privacy Screen: It can serve as a natural privacy screen when grown along fences or trellises, providing seclusion for outdoor living areas.
- Shade Provision: When grown over arbors or pergolas, Clematis 'Brunette' can provide shade in seating areas or over patios.
- Easy Pruning: It is relatively easy to prune, which helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth and flowering.
- Companion Planting: This clematis can be paired with other plants in the garden to create diverse and complementary arrangements.
- Variety in Landscaping: Its unique coloration and climbing habit make it a versatile choice for various landscaping designs and themes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Brunette' can be used in craft projects for its vine-like structure, such as creating natural wreaths or as a framework for other decorative elements.
- The dried flowers of Clematis 'Brunette' make attractive additions to potpourri blends, providing texture and color.
- This plant can be used as a natural dye source, with the petals potentially yielding subtle color variations for textiles or art projects.
- Clematis 'Brunette' can serve as a privacy screen in gardens when grown on trellises, offering a living barrier that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- The strong vines of Clematis 'Brunette' can be utilized in the garden to provide support for other plants that require staking or a climbing structure.
- Its vibrant blooms can be used in photography and painting as subjects for creating botanical art or as a backdrop for portraits and landscapes.
- Gardeners can encourage beneficial insects to their garden by growing Clematis 'Brunette', as its flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Clematis 'Brunette' can be used in thematic gardens, such as gothic or moon gardens, due to its dark, dramatic flowers that add a unique visual interest.
- The plant's seed heads can be left on the vine during winter to add texture and interest to the garden during the colder, less colorful months.
- Harvested vines can be used in basketry or other weaving projects for their flexibility and organic look, often as decorative elements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: The plant's ability to climb and adapt to structures symbolizes flexible thinking and problem solving.
- Creative Endeavor: Often associated with the arts, Clematis represents the flow of creative energy and the drive to express oneself.
- Ingenuity: Its climbing nature and varied growth patterns represent inventive and resourceful characteristics.
- Persistence: A reflection of resilience and determination, as Clematis can weather tough conditions and still thrive.
- Spiritual Ascension: The upward growth towards the sky can symbolize a striving for higher spiritual states or consciousness.
- Beauty and Joy: With its lush, dark purple flowers, 'Brunette' adds beauty to the garden, symbolizing the pleasures and aesthetic experiences in life.
WaterA Clematis 'Brunette', more commonly known as a clematis, should be watered thoroughly with the soil being allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Generally, a mature clematis requires about one inch of water per week, which equals about 0.62 gallons. During the growing season, especially in dry periods, you may need to water your clematis two to three times per week to maintain consistent soil moisture. It is important to water the plant at its base to keep the leaves and flowers dry and prevent potential disease. Adjust watering for the clematis if rainfall contributes to soil moisture, reducing the need for supplemental watering.
LightThe best light condition for clematis involves planting it in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, clematis prefers its roots to stay cool and shaded while the vine with the flowers is in the sun. It would be ideal to plant it in a spot where the foliage gets sun, but the root zone is shaded by other plants or a mulch layer. Avoiding intensely hot, midday sun by offering some light afternoon shade can help in warmer climates.
TemperatureClematis thrives best in temperate conditions; the ideal temperature range for growing clematis is between 50°F and 68°F. These plants can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F in winter and as high as 75°F in summer. However, in very hot temperatures above this range, it is crucial to provide some shade to protect the plant and to ensure the root zone doesn't overheat.
PruningClematis should be pruned to promote healthy growth, manage the size, and enhance flowering. The best time to prune depends on the type of clematis and its flowering time. Group A clematis, which bloom on old wood, should be pruned lightly after the first bloom in spring, removing dead or weak stems. Pruning too much can reduce flowering, so it's essential only to prune what's necessary to shape the plant and remove any dead material.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Brunette', commonly known as Clematis, thrives best in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Clematis would include two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost or manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
RepottingClematis plants, generally, do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current container. It is important to repot in the spring before the onset of active growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis prefer a moderate level of humidity but are adaptable and can thrive in the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors in their growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and adequate airflow for indoor Clematis.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Clematis 'Brunette', also known as Clematis, begins with seed germination, which is influenced by the conditions of light, moisture, and temperature. The germinated seed grows into a seedling with a small root system and several leaves, establishing its presence in the soil. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and vines that climb supports with the aid of tendrils, entering a phase of vegetative growth characterized by the production of leaves and stems. Following vegetative growth, Clematis 'Brunette' enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive large, showy flowers that can be a range of colors depending on the specific cultivar. After pollination, the flowers produce seed heads that contain achenes with feathery plumes, allowing for seed dispersal by the wind. The plant then goes into a dormancy period, particularly in colder climates, before re-emerging for another growth cycle the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Brunette', which is a variety of the clematis vine, is through layering, usually done in spring or early summer. This involves bending a stem to the ground and covering part of it with soil, leaving the end portion exposed. In time, roots will develop at the point of contact with the soil. Once a substantial root system has been established, the layered section can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. This method leverages the existing energy reserves within the plant, ensuring a higher success rate compared to other methods such as seed propagation, which is typically more challenging and less reliable for hybrid clematis varieties.
