Clematis Clematis Harlow Carr = 'Evipo004' (PBR)
ABOUT
Clematis Harlow Carr is a striking climbing plant known for its large, showy flowers. It is a relatively newer variety of clematis, notable for its lush appearance. The plant blooms prolifically and presents a vibrant display of petals. Each flower is composed of multiple overlapping petals arranged in a classic clematis shape—usually depicted as a broad, open face that invites admiration. The petals exhibit a deep, plush purple hue, often with a velvety sheen that captures the light and gives the plant a shimmering quality. At the center of each flower is a cluster of contrasting stamen, typically displaying a creamy white or pale yellow color that adds to the visual interest of the bloom. The foliage of Clematis Harlow Carr is equally appealing, with leaves that have a bright green color and a glossy finish. The leaflets are arranged in a trifoliate pattern, common to many clematis varieties, and each leaflet has jagged or toothed edges, which gives the plant a textured appearance. The vine of the plant has a twining habit, searching for support to climb, allowing the cascades of flowers to drape beautifully in the growing area. Together, the dark, sumptuous flowers and verdant leaves present a lush and romantic aesthetic that is often sought after for garden trellises, walls, and archways, where the beauty of the Clematis Harlow Carr can be displayed to dramatic effect. Its appearance can bring a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Harlow Carr', Harlow Carr Clematis.
Common names
Clematis Harlow Carr = 'Evipo004' (PBR).
- Toxicity
To humans
Clematis, including the Clematis Harlow Carr variety, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds called glycosides which can cause digestive disturbances. If someone ingests a part of the clematis plant, they may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Mouth irritation can also occur along with possible skin reactions from handling the plant. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious symptoms such as internal bleeding or organ damage, but such extreme reactions are uncommon. Care should be taken to prevent children from consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis Harlow Carr variety, is also toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, when pets ingest clematis, they may exhibit signs of poisoning which include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and mouth irritation. In some cases, there can be more severe outcomes, such as convulsions or even coma, although these are rare. It is important to keep pets away from this plant to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters)
Spread
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis Harlow Carr adds a touch of elegance to any garden with its large, purplish-pink flowers.
- Prolonged Blooming Season: Known for its long flowering period, this Clematis offers blossoms from late spring to early autumn.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for trellises, walls, and archways, as well as container gardening.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, thus promoting biodiversity.
- Compact Growth: Its manageable size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Deciduous Nature: Being a deciduous plant, it provides seasonal interest throughout the year.
- Easy Propagation: Clematis Harlow Carr can be easily propagated for multiplying plants in your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with occasional pruning and feeding.
- 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
- Art and photography subjects: The Clematis Harlow Carr's striking blooms can serve as excellent subjects for botanical art, illustrations, and macro photography due to their vibrant colors and intricate structures.
- Creative crafts: The vine structure and flowers can be used to make decorative wreaths and frames for special occasions like weddings or garden parties.
- Educational tools: Horticulture students or botany enthusiasts can use the plant for understanding plant growth patterns, pruning techniques, and study of flowering cycles.
- Landscape design: The plant can be used in imaginative ways in landscape designs, such as creating a natural privacy screen or as a living curtain when grown on pergolas.
- Garden color themes: It can be utilized to create a color-themed garden area, using its particular shade of flower to complement other plants in the garden.
- Competition plants: Gardeners might grow Clematis Harlow Carr to enter into gardening competitions, showcasing the health and beauty of the vines and blooms.
- Floral arrangements: Although not a traditional cut flower, the blossoms can be used in water tubes as part of floral arrangements for events.
- Biological studies: The plant can be a subject for pollination studies, observing how bees and other insects interact with its flowers.
- Climbing frames for other plants: The sturdy vines of Clematis Harlow Carr can be utilized as support for lighter, non-climbing plants to add vertical interest in gardens.
- Frost protection: The dense growth of Clematis Harlow Carr can act as a form of frost protection for smaller, more fragile plants grown at its base.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Ingeniousness: Clematis Harlow Carr is often associated with cleverness and intelligence due to its complex and intricate flowers, symbolizing the beauty of intellectual pursuits.
- Mental Beauty: The plant's striking appearance denotes an appreciation for the aesthetics of the mind and the value placed on mental attractiveness alongside physical beauty.
- Artistic Inspiration: As a muse for artists and poets, Clematis blooms are seen as symbols of inspiration, helping to spark creativity and original thought.
- Perseverance: The vigorous climbing habit of the Clematis represents tenacity and the determination to succeed regardless of obstacles.
- Spiritual Quest: The plant's growth towards the sky can symbolize a person's spiritual journey, reaching for enlightenment and higher knowledge.
- Water
The Clematis 'Harlow Carr' should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water, adjusting for rainfall. In hot and dry weather, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During winter, reduce watering to every few weeks to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Monitor the soil moisture level regularly and water accordingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Light
The Clematis 'Harlow Carr' prefers a spot where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be exposed to at least six hours of sunlight a day, but it will also tolerate dappled shade. When planting, choose a location that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon protection to prevent the flowers from fading too quickly.
- Temperature
The Clematis 'Harlow Carr' can survive a range of temperatures, withstanding a minimum of about 20°F and a maximum of around 90°F. It thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. Ensure that the plant is sheltered from strong winds and extreme heat, as these can affect its growth and blooming.
- Pruning
Pruning the Clematis 'Harlow Carr' helps maintain its shape, encourages vigorous growth, and promotes more prolific blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak stems and cutting back the remaining stems to strong buds. 'Harlow Carr' is a Group 2 clematis, which means it blooms on both new and old wood, so be cautious not to over-prune. The best time for pruning is after the plant has flowered in spring and before the end of July.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Clematis 'Harlow Carr' should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 and 7.5. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and a portion of horticultural grit or perlite is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
Clematis 'Harlow Carr' should typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Spring, just before active growth starts, is the best time for repotting this clematis.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis 'Harlow Carr' thrives best in outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. They do not require specific humidity levels but prefer not to be in excessively dry conditions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure a bright spot, periodic watering, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot; plant with well-draining soil; provide support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Clematis Harlow Carr, commonly known as Clematis 'Evipo004', begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sowed and exposed to the correct conditions, will germinate and sprout. It then enters an active growth phase, developing a robust root system along with vine-like stems and leaves, and as it matures, it requires support to climb. In its flowering stage, typically from late spring to early autumn, it produces showy purple or pink blossoms that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruiting bodies called achenes, which contain the seeds for the next generation. As temperatures cool towards the end of the growing season, the plant enters a period of dormancy with the above-ground growth dying back, especially in colder climates. The cycle begins anew with the return of warmer weather when new shoots appear from the plant's crown or from surviving stems, resuming growth and completing the cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
The Clematis 'Harlow Carr' is commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is often carried out during the late summer months because it allows the cuttings to establish roots before the onset of winter. Gardeners generally select a healthy section of stem around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, ensuring it includes at least a couple of sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite. The pot is then placed in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil is kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks to a few months depending on conditions.