Clematis Ice Blue Clematis Ice Blue = 'Evipo003' (PBR) (Prairie Series) (EL)
![clematis [Ice Blue]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b554a19f18.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Ice Blue' is a remarkable climber with an enchanting floral display. This cultivar showcases delicate blooms that possess a soft blue hue with an almost ethereal quality, exuding an icy appearance that can add a soothing tone to any garden palette. Each flower emerges as a semi-double form during its early bloom phase, then tends to transition into a single form as the season progresses. The petals are arranged in an overlapping fashion, creating a striking, layered effect with silvery-blue tones, and at the center of these blooms, a tuft of lighter, almost whitish stamens stands out, providing a lovely contrast and accentuating the gentle color of the petals. The foliage of the Clematis 'Ice Blue' adds to its beauty, with leaves that are a deep, healthy green, forming an attractive backdrop that makes the flowers truly pop. The leaves are comprised of individual leaflets, which are smooth along their edges and have a somewhat shiny surface, catching the light and contributing to the plant's overall luminous quality. Throughout its blooming season, this variety of Clematis will continually produce these enchanting flowers, creating a long-lasting display that can captivate onlookers and provide a point of interest in a mixed border or when grown against a supporting structure like a trellis or an arbor. When in full blossom, this Clematis evokes a sense of serene beauty that can complement a variety of garden designs, from modern minimalist to traditional cottage gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Ice Blue Clematis
Common names
Clematis Ice Blue = 'Evipo003' (PBR) (Prairie Series) (EL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Ice Blue variety, can be toxic if ingested. These plants contain compounds called glycosides, which can cause toxicity in humans. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, there might also be symptoms such as mouth ulcers and irritation of the digestive tract. Contact with the sap can sometimes cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is important to handle clematis with care and not ingest any part of the plant to avoid these potential adverse health effects.
To pets
Clematis, such as the Ice Blue variety, is also toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals, which may manifest as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. There have been cases reported where pets, particularly dogs and cats, have shown signs of poisoning after consuming parts of a clematis plant. As with humans, the skin can also be irritated by contact with the sap of the plant. To ensure the safety of pets, it's advisable to keep them away from clematis and to seek veterinary care immediately if there is suspicion of ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Ice blue
Height
7 feet (2.13 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis Ice Blue offers stunning blue-tinged blooms that add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden or landscape design.
- Extended Blooming Period: This variety of clematis has a lengthy blooming season, providing colorful displays from late spring to early fall.
- Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, the Clematis Ice Blue is suitable for smaller gardens or growing in containers on patios and balconies.
- Climbing Habit: As a climbing vine, it can be used to adorn trellises, fences, and walls, adding vertical interest to garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the pollination of plants and the overall health of the garden.
- Easy Pruning: Part of the Prairie Series, this clematis is easy to prune, requiring only light pruning to maintain shape and promote blooming.
- Hardy Plant: Clematis Ice Blue is known for being hardy and resilient, able to withstand a range of growing conditions and colder climates.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis ice blue can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yarn, and paper, giving a unique hue that is difficult to replicate with synthetic dyes.
- Artists may use the petals of this plant for creating pressed flower art, utilizing its delicate colors to enhance their botanical compositions.
- Gardeners can cultivate the clematis ice blue in hanging baskets to drape over the sides, adding vertical interest and beauty to small spaces or balconies.
- Due to its climbing nature, the clematis ice blue can be trained to grow over unsightly structures such as sheds or compost bins, acting as a natural screen.
- The dried vines of this plant can be repurposed into eco-friendly garden ties or woven into small decorative baskets and wreaths.
- Carvers and crafters might use the mature, woody stems of the clematis ice blue for creating small items or ornamental figures.
- This plant species can serve as a learning tool in educational gardens, helping children understand plant growth habits and pollinator attraction.
- Florists might use the clematis ice blue as an unexpected addition to bridal bouquets or boutonnieres, offering a splash of subtle color and texture.
- Enthusiasts of miniature gardens and fairy gardens can incorporate this plant into their designs, creating enchanting scenarios and landscapes on a small scale.
- The plant can be employed as a living archway for outdoor events such as weddings or garden parties, providing a naturally elegant backdrop.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingeniousness and mental beauty: Clematis is often associated with cleverness and the beauty of the mind, symbolizing the ability to think through problems creatively.
- Spiritual pursuit: The plant's upward growth can represent a spiritual journey or striving for higher realms of consciousness.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists sometimes use clematis as a muse, representing the blossoming of ideas and the beautiful results of the creative process.
WaterThe Clematis Ice Blue should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, increase watering frequency to twice a week, especially during dry spells, providing about one gallon of water each time to sufficiently hydrate the roots. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During periods of extreme heat, additional watering may be required to maintain soil moisture levels.
LightClematis Ice Blue thrives best in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. Ideally, this plant benefits from at least six hours of sunlight a day, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure that the roots are shaded, either by other plants or with a layer of mulch, while the vines and flowers are exposed to the light they need to bloom.
TemperatureClematis Ice Blue prefers a moderate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 85°F for optimal growth. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F but may suffer if the temperature dips below this point. Keep the plant protected from harsh winter winds and extreme cold to prevent damage to the vines.
PruningClematis Ice Blue benefits from annual pruning to encourage vigorous growth and optimal flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the plant to a set of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground. This practice helps remove weak or dead stems and stimulates the development of new, robust shoots that will produce flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis, commonly known as the Clematis 'Ice Blue', thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of loam and compost with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable mix might include two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part coarse sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
RepottingClematis 'Ice Blue' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Early spring before new growth begins is the best time for repotting this perennial vine.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Ice Blue' prefers outdoor conditions where it benefits from natural humidity levels. It typically does not require a specific humidity level but does well with the humidity found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and prune after blooming.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, mulch roots, support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Ice Blue', also known as 'Evipo003', begins its life as a seed or cutting, which, once planted, quickly develops roots and sprouts foliage. The young plant undergoes a period of vegetative growth, establishing a robust root system and climbing stems with the support of tendrils. During spring and early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing abundant pale blue flowers with a contrasting yellow center. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which mature and disperse seeds for reproduction. As autumn approaches, the plant may enter a state of dormancy, with leaves falling off in response to cooler temperatures and shorter day lengths. With the onset of spring, the cycle repeats as new shoots emerge from the base or along the stems, indicating the start of another growth season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Clematis Ice Blue, often referred to as the Prairie Clematis, can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings, which is one of the most popular methods for this species. This process typically takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is new and green but has not yet hardened into woody stems. To accomplish this, a gardener would carefully select a healthy portion of stem about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) long with at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage growth. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf node where the leaves were removed is buried. The container with the cutting should be kept moist and placed in a location with indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which can take a few weeks to a couple of months, after which it can be transplanted into the garden.
