Clematis Clematis 'Dominika' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Dominika' is a visually striking climbing plant, revered for its profusion of large, vibrant flowers that grace garden trellises and walls during its bloom time. The blooms are notably impressive, showcasing an array of rich purple petals that can sometimes take on a velvety texture. These petals are broad and rounded, often displaying slightly waved margins which give the flowers a fuller, luxuriant appearance. At the center of each blossom, a contrasting cluster of stamen stands out with its prominent yellow or creamy anthers, creating a starburst effect that enhances the visual impact of the flower. The blooms are known for their long-lasting quality and make for eye-catching additions to both the garden and cut-flower arrangements. Foliage on this plant is equally attractive, with leaves that are bright green, providing a lush backdrop for the cascading display of purple flowers. The leaves typically exhibit a compound structure with several leaflets, which may have a slight sheen and can provide a dense screen when grown on supports. Adding to its ornamental value, the textured seed heads that follow the flowering season offer continued interest. They have a silvery or tufted appearance, which lends a different aesthetic to the garden landscape as the seasons transition. Overall, Clematis 'Dominika' is characterized by its show-stopping floral display and its ability to add vertical interest to garden spaces through its wandering vines and exquisite blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Old Man's Beard, Traveler's Joy, Virgin's Bower.
Common names
Clematis 'Dominika' (LL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Dominika' variety, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds called glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal bleeding of the digestive system. Touching the plant can also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Clematis is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to symptoms including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause ataxia, which is a loss of coordination and balance. Prompt veterinary care is recommended if a pet ingests any part of a Clematis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Dominika' adds visual interest to gardens with its large, attractive flowers.
- Versatility: It can be grown on trellises, fences, or arbors, and used for vertical landscaping.
- Seasonal Color: This climber offers a display of color when it blooms, typically from late spring to early autumn.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care aside from occasional pruning and watering.
- Screening: Can be used to provide privacy or hide unsightly structures in the garden.
- Long Bloom Period: Offers an extended blooming season compared to some other garden plants.
- Hybrid Vigor: Being a cultivated variety, it may exhibit more robust growth and resilience than some wild species.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Dominika' can be trained to grow over sculptures or art installations, adding a living element to outdoor artwork.
- The vines are sometimes used in educational settings to teach about plant growth and support structures in botany classes.
- Clematis can be utilized as a natural backdrop for photographers, offering a lush and vibrant setting for portrait and macro photography.
- Insect enthusiasts might use the plant to attract and observe pollinators such as bees and butterflies in a garden setting.
- The plant's ability to climb can be employed in creating green roofs on small structures like sheds or dog houses for enhanced insulation and aesthetics.
- Bridal couples might incorporate the clematis's flowers into a living archway for outdoor weddings, contributing a touch of natural elegance.
- The long-lasting nature of the vines can be harnessed for creating permanent garden pathways or borders when grown on low trellises.
- As an aid for privacy, Clematis 'Dominika' can be grown on balcony railings or patio dividers in urban spaces.
- Garden designers might use the clematis's different bloom periods to create a succession of color in a layered garden design.
- The plant can be grown along fences to provide a natural sound barrier against street noise in residential areas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Intelligence: Clematis often symbolizes cleverness and intellectual pursuits, reflecting the plant's intricate structure and the way it strategically climbs and intertwines.
- Mental Beauty: With its attractive flowers, it is thought to represent the beauty of the mind and spirit, alongside physical beauty.
- Ingeniousness: Its ability to adapt and grow in various directions mirrors human resourcefulness and ingenuity.
- Artistic Inspiration: The clematis' diversity in form and color often stands for creativity and the muse for artists in various fields.
- Aspiration and Determination: As a climbing plant, it symbolizes striving for higher things and personal growth, often overcoming challenges.
- Foresight: The way clematis plants extend their tendrils and plan their route upwards is akin to the human quality of planning for the future.
WaterClematis, commonly known as Queen of the Vines, requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water to soak the soil around the roots. During hotter periods or if you have sandy soil that drains quickly, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the top inch of soil before watering—if it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.
LightClematis thrives best in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. The ideal spot for Queen of the Vines is where its roots are shaded and cool, while the vines can climb towards the sun. You can achieve this by planting low-growing shrubs or placing a mulch over the root area. East- and west-facing locations typically provide the desirable conditions.
TemperatureClematis prefers a temperature range between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They are hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, to promote the best flowering and vigorous growth, maintain the temperature closer to the ideal range when possible.
PruningPrune Clematis annually to encourage strong growth and flowering. The Queen of the Vines should be lightly pruned in early spring, just as the buds begin to swell. For this variety, remove any dead or weak stems and cut back the remaining stems to strong buds. The best time is after the threat of frost has passed but before the plant starts its active growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Dominika', commonly known as Queen of the Vines, flourishes in a well-draining soil mix with a pH close to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.0. A good recipe would include equal parts of garden loam, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to enhance drainage and aeration.
RepottingQueen of the Vines should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure it continues to have enough space for root growth and to replenish the nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Dominika' or Queen of the Vines prefers average humidity levels. While outdoor plants typically receive sufficient humidity from the environment, indoor plants may benefit from the occasional misting if the air is dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Dominika' (Large-flowered Clematis) begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in well-drained soil, usually in spring. Seedlings establish a root system and send up shoots, which mature into vigorous, climbing vines. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops compound leaves and long, twining petioles that allow it to climb. The reproductive stage follows, where the plant produces large, showy flowers from late spring to early autumn, which are often purple or violet in color. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into fruit, which release seeds for dispersal. The plant then goes dormant in winter, losing leaves in colder climates, and resumes growth the following spring from the perennial rootstock or by sprouting from seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Clematis 'Dominika' is best propagated through softwood cuttings, usually taken in the early to mid-summer. To do this, select a healthy piece of new growth, about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters) long, ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves. Cut just below a set of leaves, and remove the lower leaves to expose a node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone then plant it in a well-draining potting mix, covering the node where the leaves were removed. Place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light, and maintain moisture. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can eventually be potted up or planted out to a permanent location.
