Clematis Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' features a vibrant display of large, star-shaped flowers that are a striking shade of rich purple with a velvety texture. The blooms possess a contrasting, central tuft of creamy-yellow stamens which add a beautiful depth to the flower's appearance. Each flower is composed of 6 to 8 broad and overlapping petals that taper to a point, creating a mesmerizing effect when viewed en masse. While in bloom, the plant becomes a focal point in any garden due to its showy flowers. The petals have a satin sheen and can appear almost iridescent under sunlight. As the season progresses, the spent flowers are replaced by fluffy, plume-like seed heads that offer an extended period of visual interest. The foliage of Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' is also noteworthy, with leaves that are bright green, glossy, and deeply divided, providing a lush backdrop for the spectacular blooms. The leaves cling to support structures with delicate, twining leaf stalks, allowing the plant to climb gracefully and exhibit its flowers at eye level or higher. Outside of flowering season, the network of greenery remains attractive, keeping the plant interesting throughout the growing season. Overall, Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' is a remarkable display of color and form, making it a cherished addition to trellises, arbors, and garden spaces where vertical interest is desired.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daniel Deronda Clematis, Early Large-flowered Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' variant, is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds known as glycosides, which can cause digestive upset. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation and rashes for sensitive individuals. It is therefore advised to handle the plant with care and to avoid consuming any part of it to prevent these adverse health effects.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' variant, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting the plant can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, and possible drooling. The glycosides in clematis can cause these gastrointestinal issues for pets. In some cases, more severe symptoms such as trembling or coordination issues may occur, although this is less common. It is important to keep pets away from this plant and seek veterinary care if they accidentally ingest any part of it.
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
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' boasts striking large, deep blue-to-purple flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Versatility: This Clematis can be trained to climb trellises, arbors, and fences, or allowed to sprawl as ground cover, offering various landscaping options.
- Seasonal Interest: With a blooming period from late spring to early summer, and sometimes again in the fall, it provides seasonal interest in the garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract butterflies and bees, which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Easy Pruning: 'Daniel Deronda' falls into Pruning Group 2, which means it is relatively low-maintenance regarding pruning requirements.
- Long-Lived: As a perennial vine, it can provide years of enjoyment with the proper care and suitable growing conditions.
- Fast-Growing: Its quick growth rate allows for rapid coverage of garden structures, providing a lush display in a relatively short period.
- Cold Hardy: This variety is known for its cold hardiness, making it suitable for growing in cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' can be used in floral arrangements, specifically the large, colorful blooms which provide a dramatic touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- This clematis variety can also serve as a natural privacy screen when grown along fences or trellises, obscuring views into your garden or home.
- The climbing nature of the Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' makes it ideal for beautifying unsightly structures such as sheds, garages, or even old trees by allowing it to grow over them.
- In photography, the vivid blue-purple flowers of the clematis can be used as a photogenic backdrop or as a subject for close-up flower photography.
- Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' can be trained to climb over archways or pergolas, creating a living arch that adds a romantic touch to garden paths or entries.
- The plant can be used to add vertical interest to a garden design, drawing the eye upwards and making small spaces appear larger.
- Gardeners may use the plant to experiment with layering, growing Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' among shrubs or other plants that bloom at different times for an extended flowering season.
- This clematis can be grown in large containers on balconies or terraces for urban gardeners who do not have space for a traditional garden.
- The flowers of the Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, although this is not a common practice.
- In arts and crafts, the intricate vines and flowers can be a motif or real inclusion in decorative wreaths, frames, or other botanical artwork.
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 Cleverness: Clematis, including 'Daniel Deronda', is often associated with mental dexterity. Its ability to climb and find paths upwards symbolizes strategic thinking and problem-solving.
- Spiritual Quest: The upward growth habit of the Clematis can reflect the human desire for spiritual ascension and pursuit of higher knowledge.
- Beauty and Artistry: With its strikingly beautiful flowers, Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' can symbolize the appreciation of beauty and artistic expression.
- Resilience: The plant's vigorous growth and ability to rebound after being cut back is seen as a sign of resilience and the ability to endure through challenges.
WaterClematis 'Daniel Deronda', commonly known as Clematis, should be watered thoroughly immediately after planting. For established plants, a deep watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water is ideal, especially during dry spells. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, increase the frequency to twice a week. Adjust watering for rainfall, as too much water can lead to root rot.
LightClematis 'Daniel Deronda' thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would get morning sun and afternoon shade, as this prevents the flowers from fading too quickly. Ensure that the plant has protection from the most intense midday sun to maintain vibrant bloom colors.
TemperatureClematis 'Daniel Deronda' can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers to be in conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from severe cold snaps. The ideal growing temperatures enhance blooming and overall health of the Clematis.
PruningPruning encourages healthy growth and flowering in Clematis 'Daniel Deronda'. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant is in pruning group 2, meaning light pruning is recommended. Remove any dead or weak stems, and cut back the remaining stems to just above a strong pair of buds. This typically occurs annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Daniel Deronda', also called Jackman's Clematis, thrives best in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range for this Clematis is between 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix containing two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part well-rotted compost or manure will provide the nutrients and drainage that Jackman's Clematis requires for optimal growth.
RepottingJackman's Clematis typically does not need to be repotted often as it is usually grown as an outdoor plant. However, if grown in a container, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot is sufficient. It is essential to ensure that the new pot provides adequate room for root expansion and contains fresh, suitable soil mix as mentioned previously.
Humidity & MistingJackman's Clematis prefers a moderate level of humidity. While humidity variations are not as crucial to this plant as they are to tropical species, ensuring that the environment is not excessively dry can promote healthier growth. If the plant is grown in an area with very dry air, occasional misting may benefit the plant, but this is not a strict requirement.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, provide support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Daniel Deronda', also known simply as clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures are warm and moisture is abundant. The seedling then develops a robust root system while simultaneously growing vines and leaves in its first year, thriving best in well-drained soil with some support to climb. As a perennial, in subsequent years it enters a period of dormancy in the winter, after which it reemerges in the spring, pushing out new growth from lower down the plant. Flower buds form on the new growth and unfurl into large, purple-blue blooms typically from late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies, the flowers develop into feathery, plumed seed heads that are dispersed by wind. Lastly, the plant may be pruned back after flowering to encourage a second bloom period in late summer or early fall before it returns to dormancy, preparing for the next cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Daniel Deronda', a popular ornamental vine, is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Semi-hardwood cutting is a method where semi-mature, current year’s wood is snipped and rooted to grow new plants. This type of propagation typically takes place in summer when the stem has partly matured but is not fully hardened. The cutting should include at least two sets of leaves and be about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) long. The bottom set of leaves is removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then the cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the node where the bottom leaves were removed is buried. The soil is kept moist, and the cutting is placed in indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted.
