Clematis Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' is a visually stunning climbing plant known for its large, vibrant flowers. These blossoms are a striking crimson color with a velvety texture and often feature a brighter, magenta bar running through the center of each petal, which adds a touch of contrast to the deep hues. The flowers are composed of six broad petals that are slightly overlapping, creating a star-like appearance when viewed from a distance. In the center of the flower, there is a cluster of contrasting stamens that emerge prominently, adding an extra layer of interest. These stamens are usually a creamy yellow to white color, standing out against the dark red petals. The plant exhibits lush green foliage consisting of compound leaves that are divided into multiple leaflets. These leaflets are oval-shaped with pointed tips and have a smooth texture, providing a perfect backdrop that highlights the vividness of the flowers. Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' exudes a robust and healthy look, with its leaves and flowers densely covering the stems and creating a lush curtain of color. As a climbing plant, it has the ability to grasp onto structures with its leaf tendrils, enabling it to scale up walls, trellises, and other supportive features. This attribute makes it a popular choice for vertical interest in gardens, allowing it to add height and drama to the space without taking up much ground area. The plant blooms profusely, with the flowering season typically occurring during the late spring to early summer, and often it may have a second, lighter flush of flowers in late summer. This characteristic provides an extended period of visual enjoyment throughout the growing season. Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' is valued as much for its ornamental beauty as for its versatility in garden design, where it is often used to create vertical accents, to hide unsightly structures, or to add a splash of bold color to the garden palette. Its showy flowers and appealing foliage make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Cardinal Wyszynski Clematis, Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski'.
Common names
Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Kardynal Wyszynski', can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause mouth irritation and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation if consumed. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested. It is advisable to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs, especially in the case of children who are more susceptible to the toxic effects.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety 'Kardynal Wyszynski', is also toxic to pets. Ingestion of the plant can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, such as drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause ataxia or tremors. Pets may also show signs of mouth pain or irritation after chewing on the plant. If you suspect your pet has consumed clematis, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' is valued for its large, vibrant crimson-red flowers that can add dramatic color to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatile Climbing Habit: This clematis can climb up trellises, fences, and arbors, providing vertical interest and allowing for creative garden design.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its showy flowers can attract a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms prolifically from mid-summer to early autumn, offering a long period of visual interest in the garden.
- Ease of Care: Once established, Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning and standard plant care.
- Hardiness: This variety is hardy in a range of climates and can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for many different gardens.
- Use in Mixed Borders: It pairs well with other plants and can be used to create dynamic mixed borders with contrasting foliage and flower colors.
- Screening: When grown on structures, it can provide privacy and screen unsightly views.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis can be used to create natural screens or privacy barriers in the garden by training them to climb on fences or trellises.
- Some gardeners may use the dried vines of clematis plants for crafting wreaths or other decorative items.
- Clematis vines can serve as a natural support for other climbing plants, sometimes being interplanted with roses or other vines that need support.
- The vibrant blooms of the Clematis can be used as an organic way to add color to salads or desserts, though they should be consumed in moderation and with caution due to potential allergens.
- Photographers and artists often use Clematis as a subject in their work because of its striking flowers and structural form.
- Plant enthusiasts may use clematis to create living archways in gardens, which become focal points and add architectural interest.
- In floral arrangements, Clematis flowers can be a delicate addition, though they are not as commonly used as some other plants due to their climbing habit.
- Educators and parents might use the plant to teach children about gardening and the lifecycle of plants, as they are relatively easy to grow and maintain.
- Beekeepers sometimes grow clematis in their gardens because the flowers are attractive to pollinators, enhancing the garden's overall health and productivity.
- Some people practice the art of bonsai with Clematis, training and pruning the vines to create miniature landscapes in shallow pots.
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: The Clematis is often associated with cleverness or intellectual prowess, possibly due to its complex structure and the way it grows.
- Mental Beauty: It may symbolize the beauty of thought and the value placed on the intellect, reflecting the intricate nature of the flower's design.
- Artistic Inspiration: Clematis can represent creativity and the muse for artists, as its numerous varieties offer a wide range of colors and forms for inspiration.
- Aspiration: The climbing habit of Clematis signifies striving for higher goals and reaching up towards personal growth or achievement.
- Spiritual Quest: Because it reaches toward the sky, Clematis can symbolize a person's journey towards spiritual understanding or enlightenment.
WaterWater the Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. The frequency may need to be increased to every 4-5 days during dry, hot periods. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During the cooler months or in climates with regular rainfall, reduce watering to match the plant's slower growth rate. It's better to water in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the foliage to evaporate throughout the day.
LightClematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ensure the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, which can be direct morning light with some afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat. The best spot for planting is one that can provide sunlight to the flowers and foliage while offering shade to the root area, often achieved by strategic planting or mulch coverage.
TemperatureClematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' prefers temperate conditions and should be grown in an area where temperatures range between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. However, they can survive temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. The root zone should be kept cooler, which can be maintained by mulching or providing shade at the base of the plant.
PruningPruning is essential for Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' to maintain a tidy growth habit and encourage blooms. This variety should be pruned in late winter or early spring before active growth begins, removing any dead or weak stems and cutting back the remaining stems to a pair of strong buds about 1-2 feet from the ground. Pruning stimulates new growth, which will flower in the upcoming season. Prune immediately after the bloom phase if a second round of flowering is desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' is one that is well-draining but retains moisture, such as a mix of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced commercial potting mix with added organic matter. The pH should be slightly alkaline to neutral, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingClematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. This helps to replenish nutrients and gives the plant room to grow, ensuring its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' prefers a moderate level of humidity and does well in typical outdoor garden conditions without specific humidity requirements, making it a versatile plant for various garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, stake for support, water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support, mulch roots, prune as needed.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in the spring after being stratified through the winter. The seedlings grow rapidly and can eventually be transplanted outdoors once they've developed strong root systems and the danger of frost has passed. The plant enters its vegetative stage, producing long, climbing vines and compound leaves, and requires support structures to climb on as it matures. In the summer, from early June until September, this clematis blooms, showcasing large, crimson flowers with paler pink edges and a lighter center, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the plant develops seed heads with feathery plumes that can be distributed by wind or collected for propagation. As a perennial, once mature, it enters dormancy in late autumn after the first frost and relies on its root system to survive the winter, repeating its growth cycle in the subsequent spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Kardynal Wyszynski', a popular climbing vine known for its vibrant flowers, is commonly propagated in spring or early summer using semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate, a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting with at least two sets of leaves is taken from a healthy plant. The cut end of the cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm area with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Clematis can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting to its permanent location.
