Clematis Clematis Kingfisher = 'Evipo037' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis Kingfisher, also known as 'Evipo037', exhibits striking flowers that are sure to draw attention in any garden setting. Its blossoms are a deep blue hue, leaning towards purplish tones depending on the light, with each petal displaying a slightly lighter bar down the center. The petals themselves are broad and overlapping, creating a full, rounded appearance that typifies the lavish look of many clematis blooms. Often, the stamens present a contrasting creamy yellow or white color, providing a stunning visual highlight against the darker petals. The plant has a climbing habit, using leaf stalks to twine around supports, which allows it to be a versatile addition to any garden, where it can gracefully scale walls, trellises, or arbors, adding vertical interest and color. Leaves on the Clematis Kingfisher are rich green, complementing the vivid color of the flowers, and they provide a lush backdrop throughout the growing season. This particular variety is known for its free-flowering nature, producing an abundant and prolonged display that can immerse any garden space in its captivating floral charm.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Clematis 'Kingfisher', Kingfisher Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Evipo037'
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name for Clematis Kingfisher 'Evipo037' is simply Clematis. Clematis plants are known to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. Toxicity is generally due to the presence of compounds such as protoanemonin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and irritant effects. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of the Clematis plant may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation, as well as mouth and throat irritation. In severe cases, symptoms could potentially escalate to include headache, dizziness, or dermatitis from skin contact with the sap. It is advisable to handle these plants with care and avoid ingesting any parts of the plant.
To pets
The common name for Clematis Kingfisher 'Evipo037' is simply Clematis. Clematis is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The toxicity is due to irritants such as protoanemonin, which can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, more severe gastrointestinal upset. Upon ingesting any part of the plant, animals may show symptoms such as drooling, oral pain, decreased appetite, and lethargy. In more severe instances, ingestion can lead to tremors or seizures, though this is rare. It is important to keep pets away from the Clematis plant to prevent any accidental ingestion and subsequent poisoning.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Kingfisher' is known for its vivid blue flowers which can add a splash of color to any landscape or garden.
- Versatile Climber: It can climb on trellises, walls, arbors and pergolas, providing vertical interest in a garden space.
- Long Blooming Period: It flowers from late spring to early autumn, offering a long season of visual interest.
- Compact Growth: This cultivar is relatively compact, making it suitable for small gardens or for growing in containers.
- Easy to Prune: Pruning group 2, it requires only light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage blooming.
- Hardy Plant: It is hardy in many climates and can resist freezing temperatures when established, making it a reliable perennial.
- 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 'Kingfisher' can be used in floral arrangements as a cut flower due to its vibrant colors and large blooming flowers, adding elegance to bouquets.
- The vine structure of the Clematis 'Kingfisher' can be trained to grow over garden features such as sculptures or art pieces, creating an aesthetic, living display.
- When planted along fences or trellises, Clematis 'Kingfisher' can act as a natural privacy screen, enhancing the seclusion of an outdoor space.
- Gardeners may use the climbing nature of Clematis 'Kingfisher' to create living roofs on pergolas or gazebos, providing shade and beauty.
- Clematis 'Kingfisher' can be used as part of a habitat garden to provide shelter and support for climbing fauna such as small reptiles and beneficial insects.
- The dead foliage and stems of Clematis 'Kingfisher' in winter can be left in place to provide a natural, textured interest to gardens during the colder months.
- Photographers and painters might use Clematis 'Kingfisher' as a picturesque backdrop or as a subject in their art due to its striking blooms.
- The plant’s tendrils and climbing nature make it an ideal choice for experimenting with vertical gardening techniques in small urban spaces.
- Because of its ability to climb, Clematis 'Kingfisher' can be used in educational settings to demonstrate the concepts of geotropism and phototropism to students.
- The dense foliage of Clematis 'Kingfisher' can offer a nesting site for birds, contributing to increased biodiversity in a garden setting.
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
- Mental Agility: The Clematis 'Kingfisher', with its agile climbing ability, represents intellectual quickness and the ability to think flexibly.
- Artistic Inspiration: Often associated with creativity, the intricate beauty of its flowers can symbolize the muses that inspire artists and creators.
- Aspiration: Since Clematis climbs towards the light, it can represent one's aspirations and ambitions to reach higher ground or achieve personal growth.
- Spiritual Exploration: The growth pattern of Clematis suggests a journey, and so it can symbolize the quest for spiritual understanding and exploring the unknown.
- Beauty: With its striking flowers, Clematis often stands for beauty and the appreciation of aesthetics, reflecting the natural artistry of the plant world.
- Water
Clematis 'Kingfisher' should be watered regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Usually, watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water is sufficient, but during particularly hot or dry periods, it may be necessary to water twice a week. The water should be applied directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In the winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot, only providing water if the soil becomes very dry.
- Light
Clematis 'Kingfisher' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when the plant's roots are shaded while the vines can climb towards the sun, making it ideal to plant this clematis with a ground cover or low shrub at its base or mulch to keep the roots cool. An eastern or northern exposure with several hours of morning sun or dappled light is often suitable for encouraging abundant flowering.
- Temperature
Clematis 'Kingfisher' prefers a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F during its active growing season. It can survive in temperatures as high as 85°F but may need extra care to ensure it doesn't dry out. Winter hardiness extends down to about -20°F, allowing the plant to withstand cold winters. It's essential to provide adequate winter mulching to protect the root system.
- Pruning
Pruning Clematis 'Kingfisher' improves plant health and encourages better flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This clematis falls into Pruning Group 2, meaning it should be lightly pruned to remove dead or weakened stems and to shape the plant. It typically blooms on old wood, so be cautious not to cut back flowering stems. After the initial blooming, a light pruning can encourage a second round of flowers.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Clematis (Clematis 'Kingfisher') is one that is well-draining but retains moisture, such as a blend of loam, compost, and perlite or sand. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline to neutral, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and temperature.
- Repotting
Clematis 'Kingfisher' generally does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted once every 3 to 4 years. However, if growth appears to be stunted or the soil is exhausted, it might need repotting sooner.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis 'Kingfisher' prefers moderate humidity conditions, but it is quite adaptable. The plant will thrive in average garden humidity levels, without the need for any special humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright indirect light, support for climbing, and occasional feeding.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade or sun; provide a trellis for support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Clematis 'Kingfisher' ('Evipo037') begins its life as a seed, which when sown in well-draining soil and under the right conditions, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. As it grows, it develops into a young plant with a strong stem and begins to produce leaves. Over time, it matures and enters a vigorous growth phase during which it climbs, using its leaf tendrils to support itself if given a structure to grow on. The plant then blooms, typically from late spring to early autumn, producing striking blue or violet flowers that attract pollinators. After the flowering period, Clematis 'Kingfisher' sets seed pods, dispersing seeds for the next generation once they ripen. Eventually, as the weather cools and winter approaches, the plant goes dormant, losing its leaves and conserving energy to survive through the colder months, thus preparing for the next cycle of growth in the spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early Spring
The Clematis Kingfisher, known as 'Evipo037' (PBR) (EL), is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings, a technique often utilized during late spring to early summer. This involves selecting a healthy shoot of new growth and cutting a section approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, just below a node (the point on a stem where a leaf is or was attached). The leaves near the bottom of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. The pot should be kept in a well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight, and the soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. After some time, which can vary from a few weeks to several months, roots will develop, and the cutting will eventually be ready to be transplanted into a larger pot or a suitable location in the garden.