Clematis Gojogawa Clematis 'Gojogawa' (EL)
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ABOUT
Clematis 'Gojogawa' is a captivating climbing plant known for its exceptional floral display. The blooms are the standout feature of this clematis, appearing as large, plush flowers that possess an enchanting charm. Each blossom can be quite showy, composed of several rounded petals that overlap slightly, creating a full and lush appearance. The flowers are known for their vibrant colors, which can vary, adding to the visual appeal of the plant. The petals have a silky texture and are often adorned with a central tuft of contrasting stamens, which adds depth and interest to the overall look of the flower. The stamens are typically pronounced, drawing the eye to the center of the bloom and providing a striking contrast against the color of the petals. The foliage of 'Gojogawa' adds to its beauty, with leaves that are typically green, providing a lush backdrop for the stunning blooms. The leaves are often compound, with a number of leaflets arranged in a pattern that can be either symmetrical or slightly irregular, giving the plant a textured, layered look. As a climber, 'Gojogawa' tends to wrap and twine around structures, with stems that seek out support to help the plant reach towards the light. This growth habit allows it to be used in a variety of garden settings, such as on trellises, arbors, or along fences, where it creates a vertical element of interest. The plant has a reputation for vigor, often producing a profusion of flowers throughout its blooming season. The blooms are known to attract pollinators, adding to the liveliness of the garden. Overall, Clematis 'Gojogawa' is revered for its captivating appearance, with its luxurious flowers and decorative foliage making it a beloved addition to any garden landscape.
About this plant
Names
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Gojogawa Clematis, Evison's Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Gojogawa' EL
Toxicity
To humans
Clematis 'Gojogawa', commonly known only as Clematis, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans when ingested. Poisoning symptoms from clematis ingestion include irritation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms could progress to salivation, headache, and dizziness. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals, so caution is advised when handling or pruning clematis.
To pets
Clematis, the common name for Clematis 'Gojogawa', is toxic to pets if ingested. Consumption of any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible pawing at the face due to mouth or throat irritation. In severe cases, pets might experience tremors, seizures, or muscle weakness. It's important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary attention if you suspect your pet has ingested clematis.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vivid flowers and lush foliage.
- Versatility: Can be trained to climb trellises, arbors, walls, or fences, making it ideal for vertical gardening.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long blooming season, typically from late spring to early fall, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Privacy: Can be used as a natural screen, offering privacy in outdoor spaces when grown along fences or structures.
- Ease of Care: Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and is relatively easy to care for.
- Variability: Available in different colors and forms, allowing gardeners to choose varieties that best fit their landscape design.
- Property Value: Enhances the overall appearance of a property, potentially increasing its market value.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Clematis can be used in the art of bonsai where 'Gojogawa' with its attractive flowers can be trained to grow in miniature form, creating living sculptures.
- Floral arrangements can incorporate clematis blooms; 'Gojogawa' cut flowers can add vertical interest and a splash of color to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Fabric dyeing with natural materials may use clematis flowers to achieve subtle color variations, with 'Gojogawa' potentially offering unique shades.
- Clematis vines like 'Gojogawa' are used in landscape design to create privacy screens on trellises or fences, providing a fast-growing and decorative barrier.
- Photographers may seek out 'Gojogawa' as a subject for botanical photography due to its striking flowers and contrasting foliage.
- In garden-themed educational programs, clematis varieties including 'Gojogawa' can serve as examples to teach pruning techniques for woody perennials.
- Clematis 'Gojogawa' can be included in wildlife gardens to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
- 'Gojogawa' can be used in themed gardens, such as Japanese or Zen gardens, where its elegant blooms contribute to the tranquil and aesthetic aspect.
- In culinary use, although not commonly eaten, petals of clematis flowers like 'Gojogawa' can be used as a decorative, edible garnish on special dishes, after ensuring they are safe and pesticide-free.
- Clematis, such as 'Gojogawa', can inspire artists and craftspeople, serving as a muse for paintings, sculptures, and fashion designs that feature botanical elements.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Mental Agility: Clematis varieties are often associated with intelligence and quick thinking, likely due to their intricate and complex flowers.
- Creativity: The unique and vibrant blooms of the clematis can symbolize the beauty of artistic expression and the blossoming of creative ideas.
- Resilience: As a climbing plant that can adapt to various environments, the clematis represents the ability to persevere and thrive despite challenges.
- Aspiration: With its upward growth habit, the clematis can be seen as a symbol of striving towards goals and reaching for higher achievements.
- Spiritual Journey: In some cultural contexts, the clematis is a symbol for the soul's quest for higher truth and seeking enlightenment.
Water
Clematis, often referred to as the Queen of Vines, should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. During the hot summer months, or in particularly dry conditions, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. It's crucial to water directly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Clematis prefer a consistent moisture level, so if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water again. Make sure the plant has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Light
Clematis thrives in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, though afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates. The ideal spot would allow the vine's roots to remain cool and shaded—possibly by other plants or a mulch layer—while the foliage and flowers bask in the sunlight. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this will reduce flowering and can lead to unhealthy growth.
Temperature
The Clematis plant can survive a range of temperatures, with a hardiness that usually varies from 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for Clematis is between 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can often tolerate the cold down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods once they are well-established and properly mulched.
Pruning
Pruning Clematis encourages robust growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing dead or weak stems to promote healthy development. For the Clematis 'Gojogawa', which flowers on new growth, you can prune back to a set of strong buds about a foot off the ground. This should be done annually to maintain the shape and health of the plant. The best time to prune is when the plant is dormant, usually between February and March.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Clematis, commonly known as leather flower, thrives in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 7.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix for leather flower is a combination of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure, ensuring rich organic content for optimal growth.
Repotting
Leather flowers are typically repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's important to handle their roots gently during this process to avoid damage.
Humidity & Misting
Leather flowers prefer outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated. They do not require specific humidity levels indoors, but they should not be placed in excessively dry environments.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure soil is well-draining.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny to part-shaded spot with support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Clematis 'Gojogawa' (EL), commonly known as the Gojogawa Clematis, begins its life as a dormant seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, sprouts into a seedling with small leaves. The plant then enters a vigorous vegetative stage, during which it develops a stem and multiple leaves, and extends its vine-like growth habit, often requiring support to climb. As it matures, it progresses to the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing large, showy flowers that can be a range of colors depending on the cultivar. Following pollination, the flowers give way to fruits that contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of senescence during the colder months, where growth slows down and the plant may die back at the surface while the root system remains viable. In the next growing season, the cycle repeats as the plant resumes growth from the roots, or from latent buds along the stems if the plant has not died back completely.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Gojogawa', commonly referred to as simply Clematis, is usually propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is most popular for its relative ease and effectiveness. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just hard enough to snap when bent. A 4 to 6-inch cutting with at least two pairs of leaves is snipped just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage growth. Afterward, the cutting is placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to provide the cuttings with a warm environment and indirect light until new growth indicates successful rooting, which generally takes a few weeks.