Gipsy Queen Clematis Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' is a stunning flowering vine known for its striking blooms. The flowers that adorn this plant are large and velvety, showcasing rich, deep purple hues that captivate the viewer's attention. Each flower consists of six to eight broad petals that overlap slightly, creating a full and opulent display. At the center, the flowers reveal a cluster of pale yellow to cream-colored stamens, which contrast beautifully with the dusky purple petals. The leaves of the Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' complement its flowers perfectly. They are bright green, providing an ideal backdrop that highlights the vibrancy of the blooms. The foliage has a slightly leathery texture and a shine to it, which shimmers in the sunlight. This plant's leaves are divided into several pointed leaflets that radiate out from a central stem, giving the foliage a feathered and lush appearance. Throughout the blooming period, this Clematis will produce a profusion of flowers, which can completely cover the vine, creating a dramatic floral display that is hard to miss. The blooms are known for their ornamental value and are often used to dress up trellises, walls, or fences. The elegant and sophisticated appearance of the Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' makes it a beloved choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of regal beauty to their outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Gipsy Queen Clematis, Queen of the Vines
Common names
Clematis 'Gipsy Queen'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' is Clematis. Clematis species are known to contain toxic compounds called glycosides, specifically protoanemonin, which can cause poisoning if ingested. While the toxicity is generally considered to be moderate, consumption of plant parts can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal irritation. In severe cases, it may also cause mouth ulcers and even skin rashes if the skin comes in contact with the sap. It is advisable to handle Clematis with care and to avoid ingestion.
To pets
The common name for Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' is Clematis. Clematis is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, due to the presence of irritant glycosides, mainly protoanemonin. If a pet ingests part of a Clematis plant, symptoms may include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation. Pets might also exhibit signs of mouth pain, such as pawing at the mouth. If a large amount is consumed, more severe symptoms could occur. It's important for pet owners to prevent their pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of the Clematis plant to avoid these effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can attract bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in your garden.
- Ornamental Value: With its vivid purple flowers, it adds a stunning visual appeal to any landscape or garden setting.
- Vertical Interest: It can grow up a trellis or an arbor, providing vertical dimension and utilizing vertical garden space efficiently.
- Privacy Screen: When planted along fences, it can create a natural privacy screen while adding beauty to the area.
- Shade Creation: Once established, its dense foliage can provide shade and cooler areas in gardens or over patios.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known to be relatively easy to grow and care for, which is perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Durability: It is a hardy plant that can withstand different environmental conditions once established.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms from midsummer to early autumn, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden styles, from traditional to contemporary, and in various garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- When dried, the petals of the Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance and decorative appearance.
- The vines of the Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be trained around picture frames or mirrors to create a living, decorative feature in the home or garden.
- Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be used in thematic gardens, such as Victorian or Cottage style, to provide an authentic historical aesthetic.
- The Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can serve as a natural privacy screen when grown on trellises, providing a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to fences.
- In floral art, the vines and flowers of Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be woven into wreaths or used as part of larger floral arrangements for events.
- The plant can be used in photography as a backdrop or an accent due to its vibrant flowers, enhancing the composition of garden or nature photographs.
- Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' vines can be used in crafting, for example, to create delicate, natural jewelry like bracelets and necklaces when the vines are dried and treated.
- Young stems of the Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be used in basketry, providing a unique, organic material for creating intricate woven objects.
- In educational settings, growing Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' can be used to teach botany and horticulture, demonstrating principles of vine growth and care.
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: The Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' is a climbing plant, often symbolizing the ability to adapt and be mentally flexible in overcoming obstacles.
- Ingenuity: Its vigorous growth and resourceful way of finding support symbolizes a person's ingenuity and creativity.
- Foresight: The plant’s penchant for climbing towards light reflects the idea of foresight and reaching for enlightenment.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its deep purple flowers, it suggests a connection with the arts, inspiring beauty and expression.
- Travel and Exploration: The name 'Gipsy Queen' resonates with the themes of freedom, travel, and exploration, reflecting a free spirit.
WaterGipsy Queen Clematis requires regular watering, especially during the first season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per session. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. It is key to avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightGipsy Queen Clematis thrives best in a location with full sun to partial shade. Aim to provide at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in a particularly hot climate, ensure the plant gets some afternoon shade to protect it from intense sun.
TemperatureThe Gipsy Queen Clematis is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 55°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. During the growing season, avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 90°F for prolonged periods.
PruningPrune Gipsy Queen Clematis to maintain its shape and encourage robust growth. This variety should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak stems, and cut back remaining stems to the topmost pair of large, healthy buds. Pruning stimulates vigorous growth and helps produce a more abundant display of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Clematis 'Gipsy Queen', a well-draining soil mix is ideal, enhanced with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich fertility. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.5 to 7.5, to promote optimum growth.
RepottingClematis 'Gipsy Queen' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. During repotting, prune the roots lightly and refresh the soil mix to ensure continued vigour.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Gipsy Queen' thrives in average garden humidity and does not have specific humidity requirements; however, it benefits from being planted in a location with good air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, cool room, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade with ample climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleClematis 'Gipsy Queen', commonly known as Gipsy Queen Clematis, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in spring after experiencing winter stratification. The seedling grows into a young vine, which gradually develops a strong root system and climbing stems; the first year is focused on establishing the plant. In its second and subsequent years, this perennial vine enters a vigorous growth phase, where it produces long, woody stems that climb up supports, along with lush green leaves. By mid to late summer, the Gipsy Queen Clematis starts to blossom, showcasing its large, deep purple flowers which can continue to bloom into early autumn. After flowering, seed heads form, releasing seeds for dispersal, thus completing the reproductive cycle. As temperatures cool and day length shortens in the fall, the plant enters dormancy, with aerial parts dying back to the ground, but with the root system remaining viable to restart the growth cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Gipsy Queen', commonly known as the Gipsy Queen Clematis, is best propagated in the springtime right before the plant starts actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy, semi-ripe stem from the current year's growth. The ideal stem cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks. After rooting, the new plants can be transplanted into the garden or into individual pots for further development.
