Clematis Clematis 'Jan Fopma' (PBR) (I)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Jan Fopma' is a striking flowering vine known for its impressive blooms. The flowers are what truly set this variety apart; they are large with a rich, velvety texture and are typically a deep shade of purple, though they can sometimes appear almost blue. Each flower consists of six to eight broad petals that overlap slightly, creating a rounded, opulent display. The petals often have a lighter bar running through the middle, adding contrast and depth to the overall appearance. At the center of each flower, there is a cluster of contrasting, creamy-yellow stamens that stand out against the purple petals, attracting pollinators and adding an extra layer of interest to the plant’s appearance. The leaves of Clematis 'Jan Fopma' are delicate and bright green, composed of multiple leaflets which have a smooth edge and an overall glossy texture. They provide a lush backdrop for the flowers and enable the vine to climb. During the blooming season, this variety of clematis can become covered in flowers, presenting a showy display that can add a punch of color to garden trellises, walls, or arches. The plant’s attractive features make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add vertical interest to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Jan Fopma', Leather Flower, Traveler's Joy, Virgin's Bower, Old Man's Beard.
Common names
Clematis 'Jan Fopma'
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name of Clematis 'Jan Fopma' (PBR) (I) is Clematis. Clematis plants are considered to be mildly toxic to humans. If any part of the plant is ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, there may be more severe symptoms such as mouth ulcers or skin irritation upon contact. The toxic principle is believed to be glycosides found within the plant. It is important to exercise caution and keep this plant away from children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
The common name of Clematis 'Jan Fopma' (PBR) (I) is Clematis. Clematis is known to be toxic to pets including cats and dogs. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and could possibly lead to more severe symptoms like a drop in heart rate or motor incoordination. The toxicity is attributed to irritant glycosides present in the plant. It is advisable to prevent pets from accessing and ingesting any part of this plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Jan Fopma' is known for its large, showy flowers that come in a striking deep purple color, adding visual interest to any garden or outdoor space.
- Versatile Climber: As a climbing plant, it can be trained to adorn trellises, walls, arbors, or pergolas, creating beautiful vertical elements in landscaping.
- Long Blooming Period: This variety of Clematis has a long flowering season, often from late spring to early autumn, providing a consistent display of color.
- Easy Pruning: Classified as Pruning Group 3, meaning it flowers on new growth, it can be easily pruned back hard each year, simplifying maintenance and ensuring vigorous growth.
- Cold Hardy: Clematis 'Jan Fopma' is resilient in many climates, capable of withstanding cold winters in many regions, making it suitable for a range of garden zones.
- Improves Privacy: When grown on fences or screens, it can help create a natural, living barrier, enhancing privacy in outdoor areas.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Clematis 'Jan Fopma' are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Combines Well with Other Plants: This clematis can be combined with other climbing plants, such as roses, to create stunning dual-flowering displays.
- 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 'Jan Fopma' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing gentle hues to textiles, often resulting in beautiful shades of purples and pinks.
- The stems of clematis can be harvested and used in basketry or as a weaving material for creating garden decorations and support structures for other climbing plants.
- The vine's woody stems, once dried, can be utilized to create rustic wreaths and other forms of home decor, especially in the autumn and winter seasons.
- Clematis essential oil, derived from the flowers, is used in aromatherapy and perfumery for its sweet and pleasant fragrance.
- Dried clematis flowers can be incorporated into potpourris to add a visually appealing element and subtle fragrance to a room.
- The plant can be used for educational purposes in horticultural therapy sessions to teach pruning and care for vining plants.
- Creative arts often utilize pressed or dried clematis flowers for botanical illustration, herbarium collections, or in mixed-media artwork.
- The vibrant and large blooms of clematis can serve as an inspiration for floral designs in fashion and textile patterns.
- Photographers may use clematis vines as a natural backdrop or accessory in portrait and macro photography to add depth and interest to their shots.
- By training clematis 'Jan Fopma' over unsightly garden structures, you can use it as a living camouflage to aesthetically blend in and enhance the environment.
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
- Ingenuity and Cleverness: The Clematis, also known as 'Queen of the Vines', is often associated with cleverness due to its resourceful way of climbing and adapting to its environment, using tendrils to pull itself upwards.
- Mental Beauty: It symbolizes the beauty of thought or the mind, as it showcases intricate details in its flowers, much like the complex nature of our thoughts.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artistically inspiring, the varied and vibrant blooms of the Clematis can represent creativity and the muse for artists in various mediums.
- Perseverance: As a plant that returns to bloom after seemingly dying back, the Clematis stands for perseverance and the will to continue or start afresh.
- Water
Clematis 'Jan Fopma', commonly known as Queen of the Vines, should be watered regularly to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. In the growing season, typically from spring to summer, water the plant thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water for each plant, allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil. If the weather is exceptionally hot or dry, increase the watering frequency to twice a week. During the dormant season, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the soil moisture level. Always check the soil before watering; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water.
- Light
Queen of the Vines prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this clematis is where the plant's roots are shaded, either by low plants or a mulch layer, but the vines and flowers can grow into sunny areas. Ideally, aim for a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Flowering will be optimal with ample sunlight, though the plant can tolerate and still bloom in partial shade.
- Temperature
The Queen of the Vines thrives in a temperature range that reflects its hardiness, typically between 34°F and 80°F. It can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to around 20°F and can tolerate summer highs up to 90°F. For optimal growth and flowering, maintain an environment that avoids temperature extremes and is close to the moderate middle of its tolerance range.
- Pruning
The Queen of the Vines benefits from pruning to promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to a set of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground. Some varieties may require a different pruning approach, so be aware of your plant's specific group classification for proper pruning. Pruning yearly encourages a flush of new growth that will produce buds for the following season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Clematis, including 'Jan Fopma', thrives in well-draining soil with a pH close to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.5. A high-quality potting mix with added compost and a slow-release fertilizer will create an ideal environment. To improve drainage, add perlite or gritty sand to the soil.
- Repotting
The clematis 'Jan Fopma' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in the spring, just before the active growth period begins.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis 'Jan Fopma' prefers average humidity levels around 50-70%. It does not require exceptionally high humidity but should not dry out completely, so maintain a moderate humidity level.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade with climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
'Jan Fopma' Clematis begins its life as a dormant, bare-root plant or small potted plant. Upon planting, it enters a growth phase where it develops a robust root system and shoots that gradually climb or spread if given support. As it matures, it produces large, deep purple flowers typically from late spring to early autumn, attracting pollinators. After flowering, it may produce feathery seed heads that contribute to its ornamental value. Throughout the growing season, this clematis requires regular pruning, generally after flowering, to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth for the following season. Eventually, in late autumn to winter, the plant enters dormancy, where above-ground growth ceases until the temperatures rise again in spring, repeating its growth cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Clematis 'Jan Fopma', also known simply as Clematis, can be propagated through a process known as layering, which is its most popular method. This technique is ideally performed in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to actively grow. To layer a Clematis, a healthy stem is bent toward the ground and a section halfway up the stem is slightly wounded by making a small cut or by removing a sliver of bark to expose the inner tissue. This wounded section is then buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant, typically secured in place with a u-shaped stake or a heavy rock. Over the course of the growing season, the buried section will develop roots at the point of injury. Once a good root system has formed, which can be verified by gently tugging the stem to feel resistance, the new plant can be severed from the parent and transplanted to a new location. This method leverages the natural rooting propensity of Clematis vines and avoids the challenges associated with seed propagation or cuttings.