Clematis Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' is a striking flowering vine known for its impressive blooms. The flowers are the focal point of this plant, boasting large star-shaped blossoms. Each petal is slightly ruffled and overlaps the next to create a full and lush appearance. The petals have a soft, velvety texture, enhancing the visual appeal of the blooms. The color of the flowers is particularly intriguing, as it can vary. Generally, the petals exhibit a deep, rich hue that could range from a vibrant purple to a deep mauve or even display a gradient of colors that blend beautifully from the base to the tips. At the center of each blossom, there are stamens that form an eye-catching contrast with their prominent anthers, often in shades of yellow or cream, adding depth and dimension to the flower. The foliage of Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' provides a lovely backdrop for the brilliant blooms. The leaves are dark green and glossy, divided into leaflets that spread out in an attractive array. The vine itself is climbing and can be trained on trellises or allowed to sprawl over other supporting structures, adding vertical interest to gardens and outdoor spaces. The overall effect of the Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' when in bloom is one of show-stopping beauty, with the vine becoming a tapestry of color and texture. The plant is often utilized as an ornamental feature in garden designs due to these eye-catching qualities.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Queen of the Vines, Clematis, Leatherflower.
Common names
Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the cultivar 'Jenny Caddick', contains toxic compounds such as protoanemonin that can cause irritant effects if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Contact with the skin can lead to dermatitis for some individuals.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Jenny Caddick' variety, is toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth pain due to irritation. Severe cases might lead to more significant symptoms such as coordination problems or lethargy, warranting immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' is known for its striking flowers that add beauty and visual interest to gardens.
- Versatility: It can be trained to grow on trellises, arbors, walls, or fences, making it a flexible choice for various garden designs.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms of the Clematis attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety of Clematis typically has a long blooming period which can extend from late spring to early fall, providing extended color and interest.
- Compact Growth: The 'Jenny Caddick' is a moderately vigorous climber, suitable for small spaces or containers where larger varieties might not fit.
- Ease of Pruning: Classified as Group 2/3 in pruning requirements, this plant is relatively easy to care for regarding pruning, as it can handle being cut back hard if necessary.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Incorporating into crafts: The vine-like stems of the Clematis can be used for weaving or creating decorative wreaths and other craft projects.
- Educational tool: Gardeners and educators can use the Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' to teach about plant growth, pruning techniques, and vine support structures.
- Photography subject: Its distinctive flowers provide an excellent subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of garden plants.
- Natural dye: The flowers and leaves may be used to create natural dyes for textiles, although the color and fastness would need to be experimentally determined.
- Temporary shelter for wildlife: The dense growth habit of Clematis can provide nesting sites or shelter for small birds and beneficial insects within a garden.
- Seasonal decoration: Cut flowers of the Clematis can be used in vases or arrangements for temporary indoor decoration, especially in the blooming season.
- Support for other plants: When established, the robust Clematis can serve as a support structure for lighter, less self-sufficient climbing plants.
- Perfumery: If the Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' has a fragrance, it can potentially be used in the production of natural scents or potpourris, though this would depend on the aromatic properties of this particular cultivar.
- Study of pollination: The plant can be used to attract pollinators, allowing for the study of these creatures and their interactions with flowering plants.
- Starting a nursery: Cutting propagation of the Clematis can be an unusual use for those looking to start their own nursery with a focus on rare or specialty vines.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Ingenuity: Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' can symbolize creative thinking and mental prowess, as the clematis genus is often associated with ingenuity and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Aspiration: The clematis plant's growth pattern, reaching and climbing towards light, signifies striving for higher goals and aiming above the ordinary.
- Artistic Inspiration: The beauty and intricate design of the Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' blooms represent artistic inspiration, suggesting the emergence of new ideas and the blossoming of creativity.
- Purity of Thought: In Victorian floriography, clematis sometimes suggested purity and innocence, and this particular cultivar, with its distinctive flowers, could be interpreted as embodying clear and untainted thoughts.
- Spiritual Ascension: With its vines reaching upwards, clematis is often thought to symbolize spiritual growth or the journey towards enlightenment.
WaterFor the Clematis, commonly known as Clematis 'Jenny Caddick', it is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule. The plant should be watered once a week with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. It is important to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In the winter, reduce the amount of water as the plant requires less moisture during dormancy.
LightClematis 'Jenny Caddick' thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the roots and base of the plant should be shaded, while the vines and flowers are exposed to sunlight. An eastern-facing garden spot where the plant gets morning sun and afternoon shade or a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal.
TemperatureClematis 'Jenny Caddick' prefers moderate temperatures and can typically survive winter temperatures down to about 20°F, though this may vary by the plant's hardiness zone. During the summer, it can tolerate high temperatures as long as the roots are kept cool. The ideal temperature range for growing Clematis is between 55°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' is important to encourage vigorous growth and enhance flowering. This plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Depending on the flowering group, Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' may need either light pruning to remove dead and weak stems or more extensive cuts back to a set of strong buds. Annually pruning ensures a tidy appearance and stimulates the development of more stems, which will result in more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Jenny Caddick' is well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage is ideal.
RepottingClematis 'Jenny Caddick' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, preferably in the spring just before the onset of active growth, to avoid stressing the plant.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Jenny Caddick' prefers a moderate level of humidity, typical of outdoor conditions, without needing special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and cool room temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with ample support and mulch base.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Jenny Caddick', commonly known as Vining Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of soil, warmth, and light. Upon germination, it develops a root system and shoots that emerge as seedlings. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems vigorously, and given that it's a climber, it seeks support to twine around. Following the vegetative stage, the Vining Clematis enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, producing large, colorful, often fragrant flowers, which are key to its ornamental appeal. After pollination, flowers develop into fruits, which are achenes in Clematis, each with a feathery tail that aids in wind dispersal. The plant then enters into a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to begin the cycle again with new growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Clematis 'Jenny Caddick', also commonly known as simply "clematis," is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in summer when the stem has matured and is not as tender as it is in the spring. A semi-hardwood cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with a couple of leaves left at the top. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The pot is then placed in a warm, bright area, but out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, but the new plant should not be transplanted outdoors until it has established a strong root system and all danger of frost has passed.
