Clematis Empress Clematis Empress = 'Evipo011' (PBR) (EL)
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ABOUT
The Clematis Empress, known for its regal beauty, is a vibrant flowering plant that stands out with its large, eye-catching blooms. Each flower consists of multiple layers of petals, creating a full, luxurious look. The petals are a soft pink with a subtle stripe running through the middle, giving them a textured appearance, and the edges of the petals have a faint, paler pink to white hue that adds depth to the flower. In the center of the bloom, you'll find a prominent, fluffy pompom of smaller petal-like structures, often a deeper pink or magenta color, which adds an extra layer of visual interest and complexity to the flower. This central pompom is surrounded by a ring of contrasting yellow-green anthers, which stand out against the pink petals. With its vivid coloration and lush floral arrangement, Clematis Empress adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Empress Clematis, Queen of the Vines.
Common names
Clematis 'Evipo011'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis Empress, contains certain compounds which can be toxic if ingested. The plant is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause digestive upset including vomiting and diarrhea if consumed. Some people may also experience dermatitis from handling the plant due to its irritant compounds. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant, especially for young children who might be more sensitive to its effects.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety known as Clematis Empress, is considered toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains glycosides and irritating compounds that can lead to salivation, vomiting and diarrhea in animals. In some cases, ingesting clematis can also result in ataxia, or loss of coordination. It is advisable to keep this plant away from pets to prevent accidental ingestion and potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4m)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2m)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - The Clematis Empress adds vibrant color to gardens with its large, eye-catching pink-purple flowers adorned with a magenta central bar and prominent creamy-yellow anthers.
- Vertical Interest - This climbing vine can grow up to 6-8 feet tall, making it ideal for adding vertical dimension to garden spaces or for covering walls, trellises, or arbors.
- Long Blooming Period - It has a lengthy flowering period from late spring to early autumn, providing a long season of visual enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators - The Clematis Empress is great for attracting butterflies and bees, benefiting pollination in your garden.
- Easy Pruning - Classified within Pruning Group 2, this clematis requires light pruning which is manageable for gardeners at any skill level, as it generally only needs tidying up to remove dead or weak stems.
- Compact Growth - Its moderate size makes it suitable for small spaces and even for container planting, providing flexibility for gardeners with limited space.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering in comparison to many other plants.
- Hybrid Vitality - As a cultivated hybrid, the Clematis Empress is often more vigorous and disease-resistant than some of its species counterparts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Empress' can be utilized in horticultural therapy programs due to its vibrant blooming and tendency to attract beneficial insects, fostering a connection with nature and promoting mental well-being.
- When dried, the seed heads of this Clematis variety can be used in floral arrangements, providing a unique, feathery texture that adds interest to bouquets.
- Dried vines of the Clematis can be woven into natural art pieces, craft objects, or small decorative baskets, showcasing its structural beauty even after the growing season.
- With their durable vines and attractive foliage, Clematis 'Empress' can be trained to grow over unsightly fences or other structures, acting as a natural cover to improve aesthetic appeal.
- The woody structure of Clematis 'Empress' can be used as natural support for other climbing plants in a garden once it is well-established, creating a layering effect.
- Clematis can be employed in educational gardens to teach principles of vertical gardening and the importance of layering plants for optimal space usage.
- Gardeners can use the plant to create 'living walls' to provide privacy or to create defined areas within larger garden spaces.
- Creating habitat for wildlife, Clematis 'Empress' can be a structural host plant for certain species of moths and butterflies, offering a place for pupation.
- The plant can be used in photography and painting, as its bright, colorful flowers and intriguing form make an excellent subject for artists and photographers alike.
- For those practicing the art of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, branches of the Clematis 'Empress' can add height and structure to the arrangements.
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 Beauty: Clematis is often associated with mental beauty due to its intricate and impressive floral display, suggesting the complexities of the mind.
- Creativity: The diverse forms and colors of clematis flowers can symbolize creativity and the expression of ideas.
- Ingeniousness: The way Clematis plants climb and adapt to their environment can represent ingeniousness and resourcefulness.
- Artistic Inspiration: As an ornamental plant with showy flowers, clematis can symbolize artistic inspiration and the muse for creative works.
- Spiritual Quest: The growth habit of reaching for the sky can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual aspiration or striving for higher understanding.
WaterThe Queen of the Vines, Clematis 'Empress', prefers its soil to be kept moist but not waterlogged. It's important to water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water once a week during the growing season, but adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions, making sure the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with leaf spot diseases and ensure the base of the plant and root zone are targeted. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightClematis 'Empress' thrives in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, it is crucial to protect the plant's roots and base from direct sunlight by either strategic planting or mulching, as the roots prefer to stay cool. The ideal spot allows for the vine's foliage and flowers to bask in the sun while shielding its base with shade or vegetation.
TemperatureClematis 'Empress' performs well in a range of temperatures and can survive winter chilly spells down to about -30°F, while in summer, it can sustain temperatures up to around 90°F. The plant's ideal growing temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F. To ensure the best flowering and growth, protect the Clematis 'Empress' from extreme heat by providing afternoon shade or mulch to keep the root area cool.
PruningClematis 'Empress' benefits from pruning to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. It belongs to Pruning Group 2, meaning it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring. Dead and weak stems should be cut back to the strongest buds to encourage new growth. After the early summer flowering, if desirable, prune lightly again to shape the plant and potentially encourage a second flush of blooms. Pruning is also necessary to remove any tangled or dead stems and to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Empress' thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The ideal soil mix would be a blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure, ensuring good aeration and moisture retaining capabilities. For container growing, add perlite or vermiculite for extra drainage.
RepottingClematis 'Empress' generally does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. Repotting is typically only necessary when the plant has outgrown its current container or if the soil has become exhausted, usually every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Empress' prefers a moderate humidity level and can tolerate the typical outdoor humidity naturally found in its growing zones. It is not particularly sensitive to humidity but avoid placing it in overly dry environments, especially when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, support for climbing, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade with a trellis for support.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Empress' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring or summer. Following germination, it enters a vegetative growth phase, developing a robust root system and climbing stems with bright green leaves. As it matures, the plant enters the flowering stage, which occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing large, eye-catching double flowers that come in a range of pink tones. After flowering, the Clematis 'Empress' may produce a second flush of blooms in late summer or early autumn if the spent flowers are removed and the plant is well-maintained. Once the flowering season is over, the plant focuses on strengthening its foliage and roots in preparation for dormancy in the winter months. This cycle repeats annually, with the clematis potentially living for several years and growing larger and more floriferous with each season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis Empress, also referred to by its cultivar name 'Evipo011', can be propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings, a method that is often employed due to its effectiveness in producing true-to-type plants. Semi-hardwood cuttings are typically taken in late summer, when the current season's growth has started to mature and harden but is not yet fully woody. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) with several leaves is snipped just below a node, the area on the stem where leaves emerge. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and the environment is kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. The cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight but in a bright area, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually form within a few weeks to a few months, after which the new Clematis Empress can be transplanted to its final location.
