Clematis Clematis 'Ekstra' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Ekstra' is a striking flowering plant known for its large, impactful blooms. The flowers are a dominating feature, presenting with velvety textures in deep, vibrant shades that often include purples, reds, or blues. Each blossom is composed of multiple layered petals that appear nearly opulent in their display and can often show eye-catching lighter or darker bar or stripe markings, which contribute to their intricate and ornate look. The center of each flower consists of a prominent cluster of stamen, holding a multitude of smaller, thread-like filaments topped with anthers, often in contrasting colors such as bright yellows or greens against the petal backdrop, drawing attention to the flower's reproductive parts and adding to its aesthetic. Leaves on this plant are equally significant to its overall beauty, generally being lush and green, thereby creating a splendid background that allows for the luxurious flowers to stand out even more. The foliage tends to be divided into leaflets, which can range from broad to slender, offering a delicate texture that complements the floral display. The Clematis 'Ekstra' operates as a climbing plant, using tendrils or parts of its stems to twine around structures or supports, giving it a versatile quality in landscaping as it can ascend trellises, walls, or arbors, contributing to vertical interest in garden designs. The plant in bloom provides a seasonally changing spectacle, morphing from initial bud forms—a promise of the display to come—to full-flowered maturity and then to the subtler interest of seed heads after the blossoms have spent. Overall, Clematis 'Ekstra' presents as an ornamental showpiece in any garden, with a propensity to attract onlookers and pollinators alike, offering a combination of stunning visuals and nature-friendly attributes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Leather Flower, Virgin's Bower.
Common names
Clematis 'Ekstra' (LL)
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis, including the Clematis 'Ekstra', is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds known as glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal bleeding of the digestive system and convulsions. Skin contact with the sap can also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Clematis is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a Clematis plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, tremors or seizures. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting this plant to avoid potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Ekstra' adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant flowers and lush foliage.
- Vertical Growth: It is ideal for small spaces, as it grows upwards on trellises, fences, and walls, maximizing vertical space.
- Seasonal Interest: With its flowering season, it provides a seasonal focal point and can complement other plants' bloom cycles.
- Attracts Pollinators: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy Pruning: This variety is relatively easy to prune, which is helpful for maintaining plant health and encouraging growth.
- Variety of Uses: It is versatile and can be used in garden beds, containers, and as a feature plant in landscaped areas.
- Improves Biodiversity: By planting Clematis 'Ekstra', one can contribute to the biodiversity of the area, providing habitat and nourishment for various species.
- Year-Round Interest: Even when not in bloom, the foliage and developing buds provide greenery and anticipation for the flowering season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for a variety of climates and conditions.
- Cold Hardy: It is often capable of withstanding colder temperatures, which makes it a good choice for gardens in cooler climate zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis can be dried and used in floral arrangements, adding an elegant touch to home decor even after the blooming season has passed.
- The vines of the Clematis can be trained to create living sculptures by guiding them over frames or shaping wires.
- The plant can serve as a natural privacy screen when grown along a fence or trellis, providing seclusion and greenery to outdoor spaces.
- Clematis petals can be pressed and incorporated into handmade paper, giving it a unique texture and visual appeal.
- The fibrous stems might be used for crafting small items like baskets or as natural ties in the garden, showcasing the plant's versatility beyond its ornamental value.
- In photography, Clematis can become a compelling subject or background, especially for close-up photos that reveal the intricacy of its flowers.
- Clematis can be used as a teaching tool in botany or horticulture classes, demonstrating plant growth habits, pruning techniques, and care requirements.
- During off-seasons, the lattice or supports used for Clematis can provide a framework for seasonal decorations, such as lights or other ornaments.
- The colorful blossoms of Clematis can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle hues that vary based on the flower's color.
- Enthusiasts of the Clematis can join or form clubs or societies dedicated to the cultivation and appreciation of these and other ornamental vines.
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 'Ekstra' is often associated with ingenious or clever thinking because of its ability to climb creatively, finding pathways where others may not.
- Intellectual Aspiration: Reflecting its upward growth, the clematis symbolizes the striving and reaching for clearer understanding, resembling an individual's quest for knowledge.
- Mental Beauty: This plant is believed to represent the attractiveness of intellectual pursuits, suggesting that the mind's beauty can be as compelling as physical beauty.
- Artistic Inspiration: The intricate and varied blooms of the clematis inspire artists and is symbolic of the blossoming of creative ideas.
WaterThe Clematis, commonly referred to as "Leatherflower," should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. During the hot season or dry spells, the frequency may need to be increased to twice a week. It is important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In winter, reduce watering since the plant's water requirements diminish as it goes dormant. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and check the top inch of the soil for dryness as a guide.
LightLeatherflowers thrive best in locations with full sun to part shade. The ideal spot would offer morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect them from intense heat. A site with about four to six hours of direct sunlight is optimal for encouraging robust growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureLeatherflowers prefer a temperate climate and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer if temperatures drop much below this point. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During the peak of summer, they can tolerate higher temperatures if adequately watered and shaded from the harshest afternoon sun.
PruningLeatherflowers should be pruned to maintain plant health, encourage blooming, and shape the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above ground level. This stimulates new growth and helps the plant produce more flowers. Annual pruning is essential for the health and aesthetics of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis, including the 'Ekstra' variety, thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A best soil mix would include equal parts of garden soil, compost, and perlite or grit for improved drainage. Amending the soil with organic matter helps retain moisture while providing essential nutrients.
RepottingClematis 'Ekstra' doesn't need frequent repotting as it's a long-lived perennial. Repotting is typically done every few years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Young clematis plants may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Ekstra' prefers moderate ambient humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found outdoors. It doesn't require any special humidity considerations when planted in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Clematis 'Ekstra' indoors with bright indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant Clematis 'Ekstra' in fertile soil with sun to partial shade and a trellis.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Ekstra' (LL), commonly known as the Clematis hybrid, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring after a period of stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, a seedling develops, forming a root system and foliage as it becomes established. As a perennial vine, Clematis 'Ekstra' enters a vegetative growth stage each spring, producing long, climbing stems and compound leaves. Throughout late spring and summer, it undergoes reproductive growth, characterized by the emergence of large, colorful flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, it produces fruits (achenes) with feathery tails which are dispersed by wind, facilitating the spread of seeds. Finally, as temperatures drop in autumn, Clematis 'Ekstra' enters a period of dormancy, with above-ground growth dying back and the plant surviving winter through its root system to repeat the cycle the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The Clematis 'Ekstra', widely known simply as Clematis, is often propagated during late winter or early spring before the plant emerges from its dormant state. The most popular method of propagation for this Clematis is by softwood cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cutting a segment approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ideally with at least two sets of leaves or nodes. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in well-draining soil, covered with plastic to maintain humidity, and kept in a warm, indirect light setting until roots have developed, which can take several weeks.
