Clematis 'Fond Memories' Clematis 'Fond Memories' (EL)
ABOUT
'Fond Memories' is a deciduous climber, 2-2.6m tall, with large creamy-white flowers,12-17cm across, tinged and margined rosy-lavender with a rosy-lavender reverse and deep red-purple anthers. Flowers over a long period from early summer to early autumn
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Clematis, Old Man's Beard, Traveller's Joy, Virgin's Bower
Common names
Clematis 'Fond Memories' (EL).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Creamy-white
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Fond Memories' provides decorative value with its large, showy flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Climbing Habit: As a climbing plant, it can be used to cover walls, trellises, and fences, adding vertical interest to an outdoor space.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, typically from late spring to early autumn, offering a prolonged display of blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, which are important for pollination in the garden.
- Color Variety: The plant adds a splash of color with its creamy-white petals and contrasting purple-brown stamens.
- Easy Pruning: Clematis 'Fond Memories' falls into Pruning Group 2, which means it can be pruned lightly just above the old wood, making maintenance relatively straightforward.
- Garden Design Flexibility: The plant's ability to grow both in the ground and in containers allows it to fit into various garden designs and settings, including patios and balconies.
- Compatibility with Other Plants: It can be paired with a variety of other plants like roses or shrubs to create layered and dynamic garden compositions.
- Seasonal Transition Plant: Its blooming period bridges the gap between the flush of spring flowers and the full bloom of summer, providing continuous interest through the seasons.
- Create Privacy: When grown on structures, Clematis 'Fond Memories' can help create privacy screens in the garden or on the patio.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Clematis 'Fond Memories' can be boiled to extract a light purple dye that is suitable for coloring fabrics or crafting inks.
- Creative crafts: Dried clematis flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes or used in floral arrangements for an artistic touch.
- Educational tool: Gardeners and teachers can use the plant for botanical studies to demonstrate climbing plant growth habits and flower development.
- Photography subject: Its striking flowers make Clematis 'Fond Memories' an excellent candidate for nature photography and garden portfolios.
- Wedding decor: The elegant flowers can be used in wedding bouquets or as decor for ceremonies, adding a romantic and personal floral touch.
- Essence oils: While not a medical use, the flowers can potentially be used in the production of scented oils for perfumery or aromatherapy.
- Textile art: Pressed flowers from the clematis can be used in textile art to create unique patterns on clothes or fabric-based artworks.
- Companion planting: Clematis 'Fond Memories' can be grown alongside other plants to create a diverse and supportive ecosystem within a garden.
- Culinary garnish: Although not commonly eaten, the non-toxic petals can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to dishes.
- Symbolic gifts: Due to its beauty and name, Clematis 'Fond Memories' can be gifted as a plant to symbolize fond memories between friends or loved ones.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Artistry and Creativity: The intricate blossoms of the clematis often symbolize creative expression and the intricacies of the artistic mind.
- Mental Beauty: Clematis flowers, known for their striking appearance, are commonly associated with the celebration of intelligence and mental beauty.
- Spiritual Pursuit: The upward growth of the clematis plant can signify spiritual quest or striving for higher planes of existence.
- Ingenuity: With its ability to adapt and climb various structures, clematis embodies ingenuity and the skill to overcome obstacles.
- Personal Growth: The clematis's development from bud to full bloom represents personal growth and the blossoming of one's character.
WaterClematis 'Fond Memories', commonly known as clematis, requires even moisture to flourish. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. It is advisable to use approximately one gallon of water per week under normal conditions. Adjustments should be made during hot, dry spells when additional water may be necessary to maintain soil moisture. Avoid overwatering as clematis does not like waterlogged soil.
LightClematis 'Fond Memories' thrives best in a location with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant's roots should be shaded while the vines and flowers receive sunlight for at least six hours a day. Placing the plant in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade can prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.
TemperatureClematis 'Fond Memories' can survive a range of temperatures but prefers to grow in conditions between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be best if the plant is not subject to extreme heat well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Fond Memories' boosts its growth and encourages better flowering. It is best pruned in late winter or early spring, before the plant starts to show new growth. Remove dead or weak stems, and cut back the remaining stems to just above a strong pair of buds, as this clematis likely blooms on new wood. Pruning can be done annually or every few years depending on plant vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Fond Memories' thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, with a pH of around 6.5. Amend garden soil with compost and perlite or coarse sand to improve texture and fertility, ensuring good drainage and aeration.
RepottingClematis 'Fond Memories' generally requires repotting every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the ideal time for repotting before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Fond Memories' prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity. Aim for average air humidity without the need for additional misting or humidifiers, as they are well-suited to most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, protect from intense heat.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Fond Memories' begins its life as a dormant bare-root plant or as a rooted cutting. Once planted, it enters a growth phase where it develops a strong root system and shoots begin to climb, with support from a trellis or structure. This perennial vine then enters a vegetative stage, producing leaves and elongating stems throughout the growing season. Once mature, Clematis 'Fond Memories' blooms in late spring or early summer, showcasing its creamy white flowers with a hint of pink at the edges, which are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, it sets seed in fluffy seed heads that can be dispersed by wind, completing its reproductive cycle. Come fall and winter, the plant goes into dormancy, though the vine structure remains and can persist for several years, leading to a new cycle of growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Fond Memories', commonly known as Clematis, is typically propagated during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method for propagating this clematis is by layering. This involves bending a healthy, flexible stem to the ground and covering part of it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Where the stem touches the soil, it will develop roots over time. Once the new roots are well established, which might take a full growing season, the new plant can be severed from the parent and transplanted. This method takes advantage of the plant’s natural tendency to root where stems make contact with the ground, therefore maintaining the genetic identity of the 'Fond Memories' cultivar.
