Clematis Clematis 'Emilia Plater' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Emilia Plater', often simply known as Clematis, is a climbing vine that is known for its showy display of flowers. The blossoms are large and flamboyant, with each flower consisting of several pointed petals that overlap slightly to form a star-like shape. The petals have a lush, velvety texture and come in a striking shade of violet-blue, which can appear almost iridescent in the sunlight. The centers of the flowers are accented with a spray of creamy-yellow stamens that contrast beautifully with the deep color of the petals. The vine itself has a rustic appearance, with sturdy stems that bear pinnate leaves. Each leaf is divided into multiple leaflets, which are often a bright green hue that serves as a perfect backdrop to the vivid blooms. The foliage can form a dense and lush mantle over the supports it climbs on, such as trellises, arbors, or fences, providing a green canvas even when the plant is not in flower. Clematis 'Emilia Plater' blooms prolifically, and the flowers can be seen adorning the vine for an extended period, which adds to the ornamental value of the plant. Notably, after the petals have fallen, the plant continues to add interest to the garden with its silvery, fluffy seed heads, which are quite decorative in their own right. The overall impression is of a vigorous and ornamental vine that adds vertical interest and a burst of color to the garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Emilia Plater', Emilia Plater Clematis, Vine Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Emilia Plater', Viticella 'Emilia Plater'
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis, including Clematis 'Emilia Plater', contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. The main concern is the presence of protoanemonin, a chemical that can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of the Clematis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, mouth and throat ulcers. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is crucial to handle Clematis with care and to ensure that children do not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
The Clematis is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested by pets, the protoanemonin found in the plant can cause similar symptoms as it does in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rare but severe reactions may include convulsions, low heart rate, and excessive drooling. It's important to prevent your pets from nibbling on this plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect they have ingested any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis 'Emilia Plater' adds ornamental value to gardens with its large, attractive purple or violet flowers.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing vine, it provides vertical interest, creating dimension and height in garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms from mid to late summer, offering seasonal interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Versatility: Can be grown on trellises, fences, arbors, or through other shrubs, offering a versatile addition to various garden styles.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can act as a natural privacy screen or living wall.
- Shade Provider: By climbing over structures, Clematis 'Emilia Plater' can provide shade in garden seating areas or over patios.
- Easy to Train: The plant is easy to train around desired structures with minimal gardening experience.
- Durable: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional care.
- Improves Garden Structure: As a perennial, it contributes to the overall structure of the garden, returning each year to provide a reliable framework.
- Mix and Match: Works well when planted in combination with other climbers or plants for a layered garden effect.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: Clematis, including the 'Emilia Plater' variety, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues that may range from soft greens to rich browns depending on the mordant used.
- Photographic Subject: With its striking blooms, Clematis 'Emilia Plater' can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography, attracting both professional and amateur photographers.
- Live Floral Jewelry: The distinctive flowers of Clematis 'Emilia Plater' can be incorporated into live flower jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets, for special events or artistic expression.
- Edible Flowers: While not commonly consumed, the flowers of some clematis varieties may be edible when cooked; however, caution is advised due to potential toxicity, and it's essential to ensure they are safe for consumption.
- Insect Habitats: Clematis plants, including 'Emilia Plater', can provide shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects, contributing to the biodiversity of gardens.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of Clematis 'Emilia Plater' can be used to add a decorative touch to dishes, especially desserts, but it is crucial to ensure they have not been treated with pesticides and are safe for consumption.
- Essence Therapy: Similar to the principles of Bach flower remedies, the essence of clematis flowers might be used in alternative practices for promoting relaxation and well-being.
- Mood Enhancing Decor: Arrangements featuring Clematis 'Emilia Plater' can be employed in interior design for their color and form, potentially enhancing the mood and ambiance of a space.
- Teaching Tool: Clematis varieties, such as 'Emilia Plater', may be used in educational settings to teach plant biology, horticulture, or the lifecycle of plants to students of various ages.
- Symbolic Gift: In the language of flowers, clematis can symbolize mental beauty or a love for learning, making 'Emilia Plater' a thoughtful gift for occasions like graduations or academic achievements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis vines are known for their climbing nature, which symbolizes the ability to reach and twist through challenges, suggesting intellectual or creative problem-solving.
- Artistic Inspiration: The variety of the Clematis, particularly the 'Emilia Plater' with its intricate and striking flowers, is often associated with the muses and can represent creativity and the blossoming of ideas.
- Aspiration and Determination: Due to its growth habit of climbing and reaching for the light, the Clematis is a symbol of striving towards goals and personal improvement.
- Ingenuity: With its capacity to adapt to different climbing surfaces and flourish, the Clematis can represent clever solutions and versatility in thought and action.
WaterThe Clematis 'Emilia Plater', commonly known as the Virginsbower, requires consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry periods. It should be watered deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. This typically amounts to approximately one gallon of water per week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During particularly hot spells, the frequency may need to increase to prevent wilting. It’s important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
LightThe Virginsbower thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide it with about six hours of sunlight a day, protecting it from the harsh afternoon sun which can sometimes be too intense. Morning sun is preferable, ensuring bright conditions without the risk of heat stress, which is particularly important for flowering.
TemperatureThe Virginsbower Clematis fares well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers to be in a region where temperatures are between 50°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but should be protected from harsh, freezing winds. The ideal range promotes healthy growth and flowering, while still accommodating cooler evening temperatures.
PruningThe Virginsbower benefits from annual pruning to encourage vigorous growth and flowering. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. This Clematis is in pruning group 3, which means it flowers on the current year's growth, so it can be cut back to about a foot from the ground. Pruning ensures a tidy plant and abundant blooms in the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Clematis 'Emilia Plater', also known as Clematis, the best soil mix is well-draining with a good amount of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part composted organic matter is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 7.5.
RepottingClematis 'Emilia Plater' typically does not require frequent repotting and can often remain in the same spot for several years. However, if the plant is outgrowing its space or the soil is exhausted, it can be repotted in the spring every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Emilia Plater' thrives in outdoor conditions where the humidity is typically higher. The plant does well with natural outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect roots with mulch or shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Emilia Plater', commonly known as 'Virgin's Bower', starts its life cycle from a seed, emerging as a small sprout with initial leaves. It then grows into a young plant, developing a root system and vines, with leaves becoming more pronounced and true to form. As it matures, it climbs and entwines on supports, producing long, leafy stems. Flower buds appear, usually in late spring or early summer, which bloom into the characteristic flowers, usually lilac or blue in color, that are large and showy. After pollination, flowers develop into seed heads with feathery styles, which can self-seed or be collected for propagation. In the autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy, with the above-ground portions dying back, while the root system remains alive to regrow the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Emilia Plater' is through softwood cuttings. This process usually takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant is in active growth and there is plenty of new green material to work with. To propagate using softwood cuttings, one should take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves on the cutting. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a pot containing a mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The pot should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight to encourage rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, at which point it can be transplanted into the garden.
