Clematis Ernest Markham Clematis 'Ernest Markham' (LL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is a strikingly beautiful vine known for its vibrant magenta flowers. These blooms are large, showy, and typically display a velvety texture with a profusion of color that can add a dramatic flair to any garden. Each flower is composed of four to six sepals that resemble petals, which unfurl to reveal a striking contrast with their golden-yellow stamens at the center, creating an eye-catching display against the lush green foliage. The leaves of this clematis are bright green and divided into multiple leaflets, which often have a slightly toothed margin, adding a delicate texture to the plant. They are arranged alternately along the vine and provide a dense backdrop that makes the flowers stand out even more. Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is a hardy vine that climbs eagerly by twining its leaf stems around structures or other plants, making it perfect for growing on trellises, fences, or arbors where it can showcase its stunning blossoms at eye level. This plant is loved not only for its floral beauty but also for its versatility and ability to bring vertical interest to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Ernest Markham Clematis, Markham's Clematis, Clematis 'Ernest Markham'.
Common names
Clematis 'Ernest Markham' (LL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Ernest Markham', can be toxic if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause a mild toxicity. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include irritation of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious effects such as internal bleeding or organ damage, but such extreme reactions are rare. It is advised to avoid consuming any part of the clematis plant.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety 'Ernest Markham', is also toxic to pets, with dogs and cats being susceptible to its effects. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation. In some instances, ingesting a large amount of clematis may lead to more severe symptoms like ataxia or tremors. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or consuming any part of the clematis plant to avoid poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Flowers: Clematis 'Ernest Markham' is known for its magenta-red flowers that add a pop of color to any garden landscape.
- Versatility: Suitable for growing against walls, arbors, trellises, pergolas, or even as ground cover if trained properly.
- Vertical Interest: This climbing vine can add height and dimension to garden designs, creating layers of interest.
- Improved Biodiversity: The plant attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are important for the health of your garden's ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Clematis 'Ernest Markham' blooms in the late summer to early fall, providing color when many other plants are starting to decline.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, apart from annual pruning to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
- Fast Growing: It grows relatively quickly, which can be beneficial for gardeners looking to cover areas in a short period of time.
- Long-Lived: With proper care, it can live and thrive for many years, making it a lasting feature in any garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Ernest Markham' can be used to provide shade in small gardens by allowing it to climb over arbors or pergolas, thus creating a natural sun filter.
- The vine's dense foliage can serve as a privacy screen when trained to grow on fences or trellises, giving seclusion to your garden or patio area.
- Craft enthusiasts sometimes use the dried stems of Clematis 'Ernest Markham' in weaving or creating decorative wreaths and other ornamental pieces.
- Photographers and artists may employ the vibrant flowers as a stunning backdrop or focal point for their work due to their striking color.
- The plant can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about climbing plant mechanisms and pollination.
- Gardeners sometimes plant Clematis 'Ernest Markham' near vegetable gardens to attract pollinators that will help increase the yield of vegetable crops.
- In landscaping, the plant can be used to add vertical interest and contrast when mixed with other lower-growing perennials or shrubs.
- It can be used in thematic gardens, such as Victorian or cottage gardens, to stay true to the historical styles and plant palettes.
- For container gardening, Clematis 'Ernest Markham' can be used in large pots with a climbing support to bring the dramatic blooms to balconies and decks.
- When used in a sensory garden, the textured leaves and vibrant flowers provide visual and tactile elements for an immersive experience.
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, in general, can symbolize quick thinking and intellectual flexibility, much like the vine's ability to navigate and climb in different directions.
- Ingenuity: The resourcefulness of the Clematis 'Ernest Markham' climbing plant suggests the symbolic meaning of ingenuity and finding creative ways to accomplish goals.
- Inspirational growth: As a plant that grows upward and sprawls out as it climbs, it can symbolize personal growth and the aspiration to reach higher in spiritual or intellectual pursuits.
- Artistic creativity: Often associated with the arts due to their showy and varied flowers, clematis may symbolize creativity, much like an artist bringing beauty into the world.
WaterThe Clematis 'Ernest Markham', commonly known as the Ernest Markham Clematis, requires moderate watering. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water. This frequency should be adjusted according to weather conditions; more often during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightThe Ernest Markham Clematis thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, but its root zone remains shaded and cool. An eastern or northern exposure or a location with dappled shade can also be suitable.
TemperatureThe Ernest Markham Clematis prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. To encourage robust flowering, locate the plant somewhere with a consistent temperature that avoids extreme heat or cold.
PruningPrune your Ernest Markham Clematis to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. It's classified as a Group 2 Clematis, so it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or weak stems. After the main June bloom, a light pruning can encourage a second bloom in late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the 'Ernest Markham' clematis, also known as Markham's clematis, should be well-draining, fertile, and able to retain moisture. A mixture of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite is ideal. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingMarkham's clematis, being a perennial vine, does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting should only be considered every 3 to 4 years, or when the plant outgrows its current container, to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingMarkham's clematis thrives best in outdoor conditions where the humidity is natural and not too high. It does not require special humidity considerations, but it can benefit from being planted in an area with good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cooler temps.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade, provide climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Clematis 'Ernest Markham', also known simply as Ernest Markham Clematis, begins with germination, where seeds sown in a well-draining soil mix sprout when exposed to warmth and moisture. Following germination, the seedling emerges and gradually develops into a young plant, with distinctive leaf formation characteristic of clematis species. The plant enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on growth, producing long vines and lush foliage; it's during this stage that supportive structures may be needed for the climbing habit. After maturation, which may take several years, the Ernest Markham Clematis enters the flowering stage, typically in mid to late summer, showcasing its magenta-red blossoms which attract pollinators. Post-pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial, after the flowering period, the plant undergoes senescence in preparation for dormancy through the winter, only to restart its cycle with the return of favorable conditions in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
The popular method of propagation for Clematis 'Ernest Markham', commonly known as the Ernest Markham Clematis, is by layering, typically done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. This involves bending a low-growing, flexible stem to the ground and covering part of it with soil, leaving the end portion exposed. Roots will form at the point of contact with the soil. Once the rooted section has developed a good root system, which may take a year or more, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. This method is advantageous because it creates a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the propagation of desired characteristics.
