Armandii Clematis Clematis armandi 'Enham Star' (Ar)
ABOUT
Clematis armandi 'Enham Star', commonly referred to as Armand clematis, is a lush, evergreen vine known for its striking features. It boasts leathery, dark green leaves that provide a year-round display of dense foliage. The leaves are often compound, with a trio of leaflets emerging from a central point, each displaying an elegant, elongated shape with a pointed tip. During its blooming season, the Armand clematis adorns itself with an abundance of star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are a creamy white hue and exude a delightful fragrance that can fill the surrounding air. The sizeable individual flowers are composed of multiple narrow petals that radiate from the center, creating a delicate and ornate appearance. In addition to the attractive blossoms, the plant also produces fluffy seed heads after the flowering period. These seed heads provide additional visual interest with their silken, hair-like strands, giving them a whimsical and soft texture that contrasts with the robustness of the leaves. Overall, the Armand clematis 'Enham Star' displays a harmonious blend of dense foliage and dainty blooms, making it a choice plant for adding both greenery and floral beauty to a space without reference to its specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Armand Clematis, Evergreen Clematis, Clematis Armandii 'Enham Star'
Common names
Clematis armandii 'Enham Star'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, specifically Clematis armandii 'Enham Star', is known to have toxic properties for humans if ingested. Parts of the clematis plant contain compounds called glycosides, which can be toxic when ingested. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, mouth ulcers and internal bleeding. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation due to the presence of protoanemonin in the sap.
To pets
Clematis, which includes the Clematis armandii 'Enham Star', is toxic to pets if parts of the plant are ingested. The main toxic compound in clematis is protoanemonin, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, convulsions or paralysis. It is important to prevent pets from chewing or ingesting any part of a clematis plant to avoid these potentially harmful effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis armandi 'Enham Star', commonly known as Evergreen Clematis, provides visual interest with its star-shaped white flowers and glossy evergreen foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: It has a period of bloom in late winter or early spring, which brings color and life to gardens at a time when many other plants are still dormant.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its rapid growth and climbing habit, it can be used to create a natural privacy screen, cover unsightly structures, or add vertical interest to trellises and walls.
- Habitat Support: The plant offers nectar for early season pollinators, playing a role in supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Evergreen Clematis requires minimal upkeep, with occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
- Versatility: It can be grown in a variety of settings, including containers, making it suitable for balconies and patios as well as garden beds and borders.
- Resistance to Pests: Clematis armandi 'Enham Star' tends to be resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Longevity: It is a perennial plant that can live for many years, providing lasting value in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: After becoming established, the plant can tolerate periods of low water, making it a good option for drought-prone areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis armandii 'Enham Star' can be used in perfumery for its sweet fragrance, which is imparted by its flowers.
- The sturdy, intertwining vines of this clematis can be employed in creating natural garden sculptures or topiaries.
- With its evergreen foliage, it provides an excellent backdrop for seasonal garden displays, helping to highlight other plants.
- Due to its rapid growth and dense foliage, Clematis armandii 'Enham Star' can be used as a living privacy screen.
- Its climbing habit allows it to be used for hiding unsightly structures, like walls or fences, in the garden.
- Garden designers can use this variety of clematis for creating themed garden areas, such as a white garden, because of its white star-shaped flowers.
- The plant can provide shade in sunny gardens when trained over a pergola or a gazebo.
- Its robust nature makes it suitable for covering and stabilizing slopes or banks in the landscape.
- Floral artists can use the fresh or dried vines of Clematis armandii 'Enham Star' for creating wreaths and other decorations.
- When grown in containers, this clematis can be used on balconies or patios to add vertical interest and greenery.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Evergreen Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Evergreen Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis plants are generally associated with cleverness and agility of the mind, due to their intricate, twisting vines which could symbolize creative and intellectual entwinement.
- Spiritual Quest: The upward growth pattern of clematis vines can symbolize one's journey toward spiritual enlightenment or the search for higher truths.
- Beauty and Artistry: Known for its striking, star-shaped flowers, Clematis armandi 'Enham Star' often symbolizes natural beauty, aesthetic appreciation, and artistic inspiration.
- Ingenuity: The clematis's ability to climb and find support on various structures may represent resourcefulness and the ability to adapt to one's surroundings.
WaterEvergreen Clematis should be watered thoroughly once a week during its first growing season to help establish a deep, extensive root system. Afterward, they can be watered every two weeks, unless there are prolonged dry spells; then it may be necessary to water weekly. When watering, provide about 1 gallon of water per session, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot summer months, you may need to increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightEvergreen Clematis thrives in a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, in particularly hot climates, protect the plant from intense afternoon sun by situating it where it can receive dappled shade during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureEvergreen Clematis can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, but growth may be affected if these cold temperatures persist.
PruningPrune Evergreen Clematis to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. This plant typically doesn't require heavy pruning; simply remove any dead or weak stems. Prune occasionally to stimulate a flush of new, healthy growth and improve air circulation within the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilArmandii Clematis prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two parts loam, one-part sand, and one-part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal.
RepottingArmandii Clematis should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, typically in late winter or early spring.
Humidity & MistingArmandii Clematis thrives best in outdoor environments where the humidity is naturally regulated, without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide support, bright indirect light, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, provide support, and mulch the base.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis armandi 'Enham Star', or Armand clematis, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, which requires a period of stratification or cold treatment to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedlings establish themselves, developing a robust root system and foliage in the first growing season. As the plant matures, it enters a vigorous growth phase, using its tendrils to climb and support itself on structures or other plants. Each spring, Armand clematis produces an abundance of star-shaped, fragrant white flowers, attracting pollinators and setting seed for future reproduction. After blooming, the plant's energy shifts to developing seed heads, which disperse seeds once matured. In the dormant season, typically during the colder winter months, the clematis rests, with top growth dying back in colder climates, before resuming the cycle with new growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Clematis armandi 'Enham Star', commonly known as Evergreen Clematis, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for this is late summer to early autumn. To propagate Evergreen Clematis, a healthy, semi-hardwood stem should be chosen, which is a stem that's not brand new but not fully mature and woody. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and includes at least two sets of leaves. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone will facilitate root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the lowest set of leaves is level with the soil surface. The pot should be placed in a warm spot with indirect light and kept consistently moist until roots develop, usually within a few weeks.
