Clematis Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' (A)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' is an ornamental climbing plant that is widely admired for its beautiful appearance. This cultivar is known for its large, star-shaped flowers that can make a stunning display. The flowers exhibit a pristine white color with a striking contrast provided by the reddish-pink or magenta central stamens. This vivid coloration draws the eye and adds a pop of color against the creamy backdrop of the petals. Each individual flower is composed of four to six broad, rounded petals that overlap slightly to create a harmonious, symmetrical shape. The overall effect of these blooms is one of elegance and simplicity, much like the renowned cellist whom the plant is named after. Apart from the showy flowers, the Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' has a backdrop of fresh green foliage. The leaves are typically compound, with a few leaflets emanating from a single point, providing a lush, textured green canvas that supports the visual impact of the blooms. This plant is prized not just for its visual appeal but also for the way it can cloak garden structures, creating a cascade of color when in full bloom. The interplay of the green foliage with the white and reddish-pink flowers offers a delightful palette that can complement many garden designs and themes. Overall, the Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' is cherished by gardeners for its striking blooms and the way it can enhance vertical spaces with its climbing habit.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré', Old Man's Beard.
Common names
Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' variety, can be toxic if ingested. These plants contain compounds called glycosides, which, if eaten, can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may progress to trembling, convulsions, or even death, although such extreme reactions are rare. The most common effect is irritation of the mucous membranes and gastrointestinal upset. Skin contact can cause dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' variety, is also toxic to pets. If ingested by animals such as cats or dogs, symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in serious cases, convulsions or significant mouth and gastrointestinal irritation. As with humans, skin contact may result in dermatitis. It's advisable to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Landscape: 'Jacqueline du Pré' clematis adds visual interest to gardens or landscapes with its distinctive large white flowers with a prominent crown of stamens in the center.
- Vertical Interest: It is a climbing vine, which can grow up umbrellas, trellises, or fences, providing height and structure to garden designs.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide a source of nectar and can attract bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the health of ecosystems and food production.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers seasonal blooms typically in late spring to early summer, contributing to the garden's changing beauty over time.
- Durability: Once established, Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of growing conditions, making it suitable for many gardeners.
- Variety: Part of a larger family of clematis, this plant adds variety to the garden with its unique coloring and flower shape in comparison to other clematis varieties.
- Pruning Flexibility: Depending on the desired shape and size, gardeners can prune the plant in late winter or early spring, with the flexibility to fit various maintenance schedules.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis petals can be infused into oils and vinegars to add a floral note to culinary dishes.
- When dried, the vines of clematis can be woven into small baskets or decorative objects.
- It is possible to use the stems of the clematis in flower arranging to add height and structure to bouquets.
- Clematis can be trained to grow along wires or frames to create living curtains or privacy screens in the garden.
- Large, mature clematis plants can be used as natural shade providers by training them over a pergola or patio cover.
- The climbing nature of clematis can be harnessed to conceal unsightly garden features like old fences or sheds.
- With its attractive flowers, clematis can be used to create a seasonal living wall effect on the exterior of buildings.
- The woody vine of a mature clematis can serve as a natural trellis for other climbing plants such as peas or sweet peas.
- Used in art, clematis flowers and vines can be depicted in paintings and textiles to capture their inherent beauty.
- Clematis can be grown in large containers to bring vertical interest to balconies and urban spaces where ground planting is not possible.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity & Intellectual Beauty: This specific clematis is named after the famous cellist, Jacqueline du Pré, suggesting a connection to creativity, artistic talent, and intellectual beauty.
- Mental Agility: The plant's complex structure and the way it climbs can symbolize the ability to navigate through challenges with elegance and adaptability.
- Aspiration: With its upward growth, the clematis often symbolizes striving toward goals and the aspiration to reach higher in life.
- Spiritual Journey: The intertwining vines may represent one’s spiritual journey and the growth toward enlightenment.
WaterThe Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré', also known simply as Clematis, likes to be kept in moist, well-drained soil. It's important to ensure that the plant receives a thorough watering, which can be roughly 1 gallon per week, especially during dry spells. In hot weather or if the plant is in a container, watering may need to be increased to twice a week. Always avoid wetting the foliage to prevent diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant. Adjust watering during the winter months or rainy seasons, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between watering intervals.
LightClematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' thrives best in conditions where it can receive around 6 hours of sunlight daily, preferably morning light with afternoon shade to protect it during the hottest part of the day. It does well in a spot that has bright but indirect sunlight to prevent the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureClematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' performs optimally when grown in temperatures ranging between 45°F and 85°F. It can withstand a frost and survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F but may experience damage below this threshold. During the growing season, a consistent temperature within the ideal range encourages healthy growth and ample blooms.
PruningPrune Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' to promote strong growth and flowering. It's best to lightly prune back to healthy buds in late winter or early spring, as this variety flowers on both old and new wood. Deadheading and removing weak or dead stems can be done after the main flowering period to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré', a well-draining loamy soil mix is best. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. This Clematis prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingClematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It should be repotted only when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not have specific requirements; typical outdoor humidity is sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in a bright spot and train up a trellis or support.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, support climbing, mulch root zone.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré', commonly known as Traveller's Joy, begins its life cycle as a dormant, bare-root plant or small potted nursery plant, which is typically planted in the ground in early spring or fall. After planting, the Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' starts to sprout new growth, developing climbing stems, compound leaves, and it may take a year or two to become fully established. During late spring to early summer, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces white flowers with a crown of pink or reddish stamens in the center, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into fluffy, plume-like seed heads containing seeds that may be dispersed by wind. In the fall, the plant begins to go dormant, losing its leaves and ceasing growth above ground, but the root system remains alive to endure the winter. As the cycle repeats, in the following spring, the Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré' breaks dormancy and resumes growth, leading to the maturation of the plant as it continues to grow and cover structures year after year with its vigorous climbing habit.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Clematis 'Jacqueline du Pré', also known as the Clematis, can be propagated most reliably by layering, which is best performed in spring. This method involves selecting a healthy, long stem and gently bending it towards the ground. A small section of the stem should be wounded by making a small cut on the underside, which will encourage root development. This wounded section is then pinned down into a shallow trench filled with a mix of soil and compost. The trench should be covered with soil and the area kept moist. Over the season, roots will develop at the cut site. Once a good root system has been established, usually evident by the following spring, the new plant can be severed from the parent and transplanted to a desired location.
