Clematis 'Edward Prichard' Clematis 'Edward Prichard'
ABOUT
'Edward Prichard' is an erect to scrambling, non-clinging, relatively low-growing herbaceous cultivar reaching heights of 1 to 2m. The highly-scented flowers, up to 4cm across, are creamy-white with light purple tips and are borne in profusion through the summer and early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Clematis, Leather Flower, Traveler's Joy
Common names
Clematis 'Edward Prichard'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis 'Edward Prichard' is highly valued for its beautiful, large, purple-blue flowers which can enhance the aesthetics of any garden space.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms of Clematis 'Edward Prichard' attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants in the garden.
- Vertical Interest: This climber can be trained on trellises, walls, or arbors, adding vertical interest and dimension to garden design.
- Seasonal Color: Offers a seasonal display of color, particularly in the spring and summer when the plant is in full bloom.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, Clematis 'Edward Prichard' can provide a degree of privacy as it creates a natural screen.
- Versatility: This variety is suitable for container planting, making it an option for those with limited space or for adding color to patios and balconies.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Clematis 'Edward Prichard' requires minimal maintenance, making it an easy addition for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis varieties like 'Edward Prichard' can be used for educational purposes, such as in botany classes to teach about the biological characteristics and needs of climbing plants.
- The robust climbing nature of clematis makes it suitable for privacy screening when trained over fences or trellises in residential areas.
- These plants can also be utilized in noise reduction strategies in gardens, as the dense foliage can help to dampen sound.
- Clematis can be grown in creative shapes or patterns on walls or garden features by guiding their growth, thus providing artistic garden decorations.
- Photographers and artists may use clematis as a subject in their work, capturing the beauty of its flowers and the intricacies of its vine structure.
- Beekeepers sometimes cultivate clematis near their hives as the blooms are attractive to bees and can aid in pollination.
- The plant can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain vegetables by increasing beneficial insect activity.
- Florists may sometimes integrate dried clematis vines into wreaths or other decorative items for a rustic aesthetic.
- In permaculture designs, clematis can be incorporated to add vertical layers of vegetation and help maximize space usage in small gardens.
- Clematis's ability to thrive in containers makes it a good choice for balcony gardens and other small outdoor spaces where ground planting isn't possible.
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: The Clematis is often associated with cleverness and intelligence, symbolizing creative thinking and innovation, which stems from its ability to find many routes to climb and flourish.
- Mental Beauty: The well-shaped blossoms of Clematis signify the beauty of the mind and the value of intellectual attractiveness over physical.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its abundant and striking flowers, the Clematis can represent inspiration for artists and creatives, encouraging them to pursue their visions.
WaterClematis 'Edward Prichard', commonly known as Clematis, requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water each time to ensure the soil is adequately moistened. During particularly hot or dry periods, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. The goal is to maintain a moist but not soggy soil environment. It's crucial to avoid wetting the foliage; water should be aimed directly at the base of the plant.
LightClematis 'Edward Prichard' thrives in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. The ideal spot would provide bright, indirect light with some protection from the harsh midday sun which can sometimes lead to petal scorch. Morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day is considered optimal for this plant.
TemperatureClematis 'Edward Prichard' performs well in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 55°F and 75°F. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F in winter and as high as 90°F in summer, extreme conditions are not optimal and can stress the plant.
PruningClematis 'Edward Prichard' benefits from pruning to encourage strong growth and generous blooming. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the plant shows new growth. This Clematis falls under pruning group 3, which means it flowers on the current year's new growth, so it can be cut back to about 12 inches above ground level every year. The best time for pruning is when the buds begin to swell on the base of the stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 7.0 and 7.5. A good mix for Clematis would include garden loam, compost, and well-rotted manure to encourage strong growth.
RepottingClematis, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingClematis prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can usually tolerate the humidity levels found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use a large pot with support for climbing, in a bright spot.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with roots shaded and ample climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Clematis 'Edward Prichard' begins with seed germination, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. As a young plant, it develops a strong root system and begins to vine, requiring support to climb. During its vegetative stage, it produces compound leaves and elongates its stems annually. It reaches maturity in a few years, at which time it starts to bloom, producing large, showy flowers usually in late spring and summer. After pollination, often by bees or other insects, it produces fruits with feathery tails called achenes that are dispersed by wind. The Clematis 'Edward Prichard' can live for several years, going through recurring seasonal cycles of dormancy in winter and active growth in spring and summer.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early Summer
The Clematis 'Edward Prichard', more commonly known as the Clematis, is best propagated in late winter or early spring, before the plant resumes active growth. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is layering. This process involves bending a low-growing, flexible stem to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil, which is then kept moist. The buried part of the stem will develop roots while still attached to the parent plant. Once the roots are well established, which can take several months, the new plant can be severed from the parent and transplanted to a different location. Layering is advantageous because it ensures that the new plant will be genetically identical to the mother plant, retaining all of its desirable characteristics.
