Clematis Frankie Clematis 'Frankie' (A)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Frankie' is known for its striking flowers, which are the main feature of this plant. These blossoms can vary in shade but often display a vibrant purple or rich lavender hue, ensuring this plant stands out in any garden display. The flowers are typically large and showy with multiple layers of petals, giving them a lush, full appearance. These petals are velvety to the touch and may have a slightly ruffled edge, adding to the plant's aesthetic appeal. At the center of each flower, there's a contrasting array of stamens, which may be a lighter color, like creamy yellow or white, adding a stunning contrast to the deep color of the petals. The foliage of Clematis 'Frankie' consists of green leaves that are often shiny and can range from elongated to a more rounded shape. The texture of the leaves is generally smooth, with a leathery feel, and they are arranged alternately along the stems. The plant has a climbing habit, with stems that can cling to supports, allowing it to add vertical interest to a garden space. Overall, its beautiful blooms and foliage make Clematis 'Frankie' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and color to trellises, fences, or arbors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Old Man's Beard, Traveler's Joy, Virgin's Bower, Leather Flower
Common names
Clematis 'Frankie'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Frankie', contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested. The plant contains protoanemonin, which can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Other symptoms of poisoning from Clematis ingestion can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Ingesting large quantities can lead to more severe health issues such as internal bleeding, convulsions, and hepatotoxicity. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation in some people.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Frankie' variety, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Consuming parts of the plant can lead to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other potential symptoms include mouth ulcers and irritation of the digestive tract. In severe cases, ingesting Clematis may lead to tremors, seizures, or liver damage. It is important for pet owners to prevent their pets from chewing on or ingesting this ornamental plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Temperate Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its striking flowers.
- Vertical Growth: Ideal for covering trellises, arbors, and fences, making efficient use of vertical space.
- Attract Pollinators: Its blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers blossoms in the growing season and often attractive seed heads in fall.
- Privacy Screen: Can provide a natural privacy screen when grown on structures.
- Variability: Available in various colors and forms to suit different landscape designs.
- Cultural Significance: Sometimes used in gardening to symbolize mental beauty and artistry.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Material: The strong, flexible stems of the Clematis can be used in basket-weaving or making natural craft elements for decorative purposes.
- Education and Research: Clematis 'Frankie', due to its particular cultivar traits, can be used for study in horticultural courses or plant breeding research.
- Climbing Support for Other Plants: The robust climbing nature of Clematis can be used to support and encourage the growth of less sturdy climbing plants by providing a living trellis.
- Photography Subject: With its attractive blooms, Clematis 'Frankie' serves as an excellent subject for garden photographers and can be used in various photo compositions.
- Natural Dye: The pigments in Clematis 'Frankie' petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or artworks.
- Garden Design: Clematis can be used in garden design not only for its flowers but also to cover unattractive structures, blending them into the landscape.
- Privacy Screen: When grown densely, Clematis 'Frankie' can be used to create a living privacy screen on balconies or patios.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Clematis can help stabilize soil on slopes, thus being a practical and beautiful solution for erosion control.
- Seasonal Interest: Clematis 'Frankie' can be used in gardens to provide seasonal interest with its different blooming phases throughout the growing season.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense growth of Clematis 'Frankie' offers shelter and breeding sites for small wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingeniousness - Clematis 'Frankie', commonly known as Clematis, is often associated with clever and strategic thinking due to its ability to climb and find pathways for growth.
- Mental Beauty - This plant symbolizes the beauty of the mind, representing intellectual attraction beyond the physical.
- Artistry - Given its intricate and showy flowers, clematis is synonymous with creativity and artistic expression.
- Aspiration - Like the climbing nature of this plant, it represents one's aspiration and motivation to reach higher in life.
- Spiritual Pursuits - In some cultures, the upward growth habit of clematis symbolizes a spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
WaterClematis, commonly known as the Clematis vine, should be watered thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, approximately 1 gallon per plant, especially in dry conditions. In hot climates or during heat waves, check the soil moisture level a few inches deep, and if it's dry, provide additional water. Reduce watering in the fall and further during winter when the plant is dormant, to prevent root rot. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightClematis vines thrive best in a location with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but where its roots remain shaded and cool. If necessary, provide a mulch or use companion plants to shade the root area.
TemperatureClematis vines perform best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can typically withstand winter cold down to about -20°F but should be protected from harsh winter winds. These vines can also tolerate summer heat, but the roots must remain cool, which is vital in regions with temperatures exceeding 85°F.
PruningPruning Clematis vines helps encourage vigorous growth and blooms. For the 'Frankie' variety, which flowers on new wood, prune lightly in late winter or early spring, cutting back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1 foot above the ground. This stimulates new growth and ensures a profuse display of blooms. Some light pruning may also be done after the main bloom period to shape the plant or manage its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the best growth of the Clematis, the soil mix should be well-draining with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH of about 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or grit to improve drainage would suit Clematis 'Frankie'. Regular mulching helps to keep the roots moist and cool.
RepottingClematis 'Frankie' typically does not need frequent repotting as it is usually grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be done every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Frankie' prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments. Clematis generally thrive in the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, and cool roots.
Outdoor
Place in sun to partial shade, provide support, and mulch roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Frankie', also known as Clematis, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or a young plant in a nursery container. After planting, it enters a vegetative stage, producing long, climbing vines and leafy growth during the spring and summer. As it matures, Clematis 'Frankie' enters a flowering stage, where it produces large, colorful blooms, typically starting in late spring and continuing through summer. After the blooming period, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, contributing to propagation. In the fall, as temperatures drop, the Clematis 'Frankie' enters a period of dormancy, with the above-ground portion dying back, while the root system remains alive underground. Each spring, the cycle resumes as new growth emerges from the rootstock or the base of the previous year's stems.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Frankie', often known simply as Clematis, can be propagated through several methods, but the most popular and reliable method is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This practice is best done in early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous and new shoots have partially matured. For propagation, select a healthy stem and make a cut below a set of leaves, ensuring the cutting is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as these are the points from which roots will grow. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development, and then plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a location with indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted to its final location.
