Clematis Countess of Lovelace Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' is a striking flowering plant that displays a bountiful array of blooms. The flowers are enchanting, with a double layer of petals that create a sumptuous, ruffled appearance. Petal color is often a deep, luminous lavender-blue shade, which can sometimes have a hint of pink depending on the light. The outer petals are larger and taper gracefully to a point, while the inner set can be slightly smaller and lighter in color, providing a delightful contrast and depth to each bloom. At the center of the flower, you'll find a tuft of smaller petal-like structures called staminodes, which can be creamy white or pale yellow, adding another dimension of color. These staminodes encircle prominent, creamy stamens that extend outward, inviting pollinators. The lush foliage of the plant is comprised of green leaves, typically divided into leaflets with a slightly toothed margin, offering a backdrop that makes the floral display even more prominent. Depending on the season, the flowering can be abundant, often covering the plant in a profusion of blooms that are a sight to behold. This plant is a climbing type, using tendrils to grasp onto support structures, which allows it to drape elegantly in the garden. It should be noted that the visual impact of the Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' is quite remarkable when properly supported and can transform fences, walls, or trellises into vertical showcases of floral artistry.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Countess of Lovelace Clematis, Double Blue Clematis, Countess of Lovelace Vine.
Common names
Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Countess of Lovelace', can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, it may also lead to mouth irritation and ulcers in the mouth. Handling the plant may result in skin irritation due to the presence of irritating chemicals in the sap.
To pets
Clematis, which applies to the 'Countess of Lovelace' variety as well, is toxic to pets if consumed. The plant contains irritant glycosides that can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in animals like dogs and cats. More severe poisoning can lead to signs of weakness, staggering, and convulsions. The entire plant, including stems, leaves, and flowers, contains these toxic substances, and contact with the sap may sometimes cause skin irritation in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' boasts stunning double lilac-blue flowers which are highly aesthetic and appealing to the eye.
- Garden Versatility: This variety can be trained to climb trellises, walls, and fences, or allowed to sprawl as ground cover, offering versatility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: With its mid-spring to early summer blooming period, it provides a burst of color during these seasons, contributing to the garden's overall seasonal interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Screening: It can be used to create natural screens for privacy or to hide unsightly areas of a garden or landscape.
- Prolific Blooming: Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' is known for its prolific blooms that can fill a space with vibrant color and texture.
- Improves Biodiversity: By attracting pollinators and sometimes serving as a host for caterpillars, it enhances the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring only basic care to thrive and reward the gardener with its beautiful flowers.
- Pruning Group 2: As a Group 2 Clematis, this variety only needs light pruning, making it less labor-intensive compared to other plants that require more extensive pruning.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' can serve as a natural dye source, where the petals provide subtle coloration for fabrics and yarns.
- As a tool for education, gardeners and botanists can use this cultivar to teach principles of plant care, pruning, and breeding of hybrid plants.
- The vine's resilience and adaptability can be studied for developing better urban planting strategies to beautify cityscapes.
- Its unique double blossoms can be floated in bowls of water as decorative pieces for events and tranquil settings.
- The plant can be used as a living screen or privacy fence by training it over a frame, thus contributing to landscape architecture.
- Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' can be incorporated into sensory gardens to provide a tactile experience with its textured leaves and vines.
- With careful training, the plant can be shaped into topiary-like forms for whimsical garden design elements.
- In photography, the strikingly beautiful blooms of the clematis can serve as an inspiring subject to capture the complexity and details of nature.
- This clematis can be used as a marker plant in larger gardens to signify a change in garden rooms or landscapes due to its distinctive appearance.
- Because it attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, it can be used in efforts to support local ecosystems and biodiversity initiatives.
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: Named after the Countess of Lovelace, Ada Lovelace, who was known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. The Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' symbolizes ingenuity and mathematical genius.
- Nobility: As a countess, Ada Lovelace was a member of the nobility. This variety of clematis, by carrying her title, symbolizes aristocratic heritage and elegance.
- Beauty: Clematis plants are often appreciated for their ornamental value and stunning flowers. The 'Countess of Lovelace' variety, with its beautiful double lilac-blue flowers, is no exception, symbolizing beauty and grace.
- Creativity: The intricate blooms of the 'Countess of Lovelace' Clematis resemble lush, multi-layered petticoats and symbolize creativity and the blooming of new ideas, much like the innovative work of Ada Lovelace herself.
- Resilience: Clematis plants are known for their hardiness and ability to climb and thrive, even in challenging conditions. The 'Countess of Lovelace' variety symbolizes resilience and the ability to rise above difficulties.
- Transformation: As clematis plants go through a transformation from buds to expansive flowers, they symbolize growth and the unfolding of potential, mirrored in Ada Lovelace's development into a historical figure in computer science.
WaterClematis 'Countess of Lovelace', commonly known as simply clematis, requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the clematis deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water each time to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hotter periods or droughts, you may need to water more frequently. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with fungal diseases. For potted clematis, ensure the pot has good drainage and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves and flowers dry.
LightClematis 'Countess of Lovelace' thrives in a spot with full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but in very hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the blooms from fading. The best spot for clematis is an area where the roots are shaded or cool, but the vines can climb towards the sunlight.
TemperatureClematis 'Countess of Lovelace' performs well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers to grow in conditions between 55°F and 75°F. It can survive brief periods of temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. However, prolonged exposure outside of its preferred temperature range may stress the plant and affect its growth and blooming.
PruningPrune clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' to promote healthy growth and improve flowering. This particular clematis falls into pruning Group 2, meaning it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems, and cut back just above a pair of strong buds. Pruning too much can reduce the number of blooms, as this variety flowers on old wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Countess of Lovelace', well-draining soil with good organic matter is best. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Mix garden soil with compost and peat moss for optimal growth.
RepottingClematis, including 'Countess of Lovelace,' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows the current container.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Countess of Lovelace' thrives best in outdoor conditions with natural humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and stable temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, mulch well, and shelter roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Countess of Lovelace' begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring a period of stratification before it germinates. Once sprouted, the juvenile vine grows rapidly, focusing on developing a strong root system and climbing stems. As it matures, this perennial develops a woody base and extensive vine structure, capable of climbing with the aid of leaf stalks that work as tendrils. The plant enters its flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing abundant bluish-lilac double flowers that are prominently displayed. After pollination, it sets seed in the form of achenes, which are then dispersed by wind. In preparation for winter, Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' becomes dormant, with the above-ground vine dying back, while the root system remains alive underground to restart the cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The ideal time to propagate the Clematis 'Countess of Lovelace' is during early spring or late winter before the plant resumes active growth. The most popular method of propagation for this variety of clematis is by softwood cuttings. To do this, select a healthy, young stem that has not yet flowered and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ideally with the bottom two leaf nodes buried where roots will form. It's essential to maintain a humid environment for the cutting, so covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator can be beneficial. Cuttings typically root within a few weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted to their permanent location.
