Clematis Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi' is a stunning climbing plant that showcases a splendid display of flowers. The blossoms are large and often star-shaped, making a visual statement that draws attention. These blooms are recognized for their radiant color, which typically ranges in various shades of purple, often with a velvety texture and may have a gradient or two-toned effect. The center of each flower features a prominent grouping of stamens, adding to the ornate appearance of the bloom. The petals of Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi' are known for their overlapping quality, creating a lush, full look to each flower. These petals may have margins that are slightly wavy or undulated, adding a touch of delicacy to their overall appearance. Unlike some other varieties of clematis, 'Kinju Atarashi' flowers can be particularly striking due to their size and the rich saturation of their color. The foliage of this plant consists of green leaves that often provide a sharp contrast to the vibrant flowers. These leaves are typically compound, with several leaflets arranged in a pattern along the vine. They provide a lush backdrop that further accentuates the beauty of the flowers and contributes to the plant's vitality. As a climbing plant, Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi' typically requires a structure to support its growth, such as a trellis, fence, or arbor. Its twining stems wrap around these, allowing the plant to ascend and display its blooms at varying heights and adding vertical interest to gardens and landscapes. The visual impact of Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi' makes it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis, Leather Flower, Virgin's Bower.
Common names
Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Kinju Atarashi' (LL), is known to be toxic when parts of the plant are ingested. The toxicity derives from irritants such as protoanemonin present in the plant's sap. If ingested, the plant can cause mild to severe digestive upset, which might include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. There may also be mouth and throat irritation due to the acrid sap. It is less common, but possible, for skin contact with the sap to lead to dermatitis or itching sensations.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Kinju Atarashi' (LL) variety, can be toxic to pets like cats and dogs if they ingest any part of the plant. The toxic principle, primarily protoanemonin, can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential pawing at the mouth due to irritation. In more severe cases, ingesting clematis may potentially lead to weakness or lethargy. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if a pet ingests any part of a clematis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Clematis 'Kinju Atarashii' produces beautiful, large flowers that can add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing vine, it is ideal for adding height and structure to garden designs, covering trellises, arbors, or fences.
- Pollinator-Friendly: It attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are important for the health of the ecosystem.
- Seasonal Color: Offers seasonal blooms typically in the spring to summer months, providing color and visual interest during these seasons.
- Easy Pruning: This variety generally requires minimal pruning, making it low maintenance and easy to care for once established.
- Versatility: Can be used in various garden settings, including container gardening, making it suitable for those with limited space.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can function as a natural privacy screen, creating a green and flowering barrier.
- Resilience: Often resistant to common garden pests and diseases, requiring less intervention from the gardener.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis vines can be used as a natural screen or privacy barrier when grown along fences or trellises, providing a living wall that changes with the seasons.
- The strong vines of clematis can provide structural support for other plants, such as climbing roses or smaller vine plants that need assistance to grow upwards.
- Used in art installations or garden sculptures, clematis plants can be guided to grow in specific patterns or shapes, contributing to outdoor aesthetic designs.
- Clematis petals can be pressed and included in craft projects, such as handmade cards, bookmarks, or as part of a pressed flower collection.
- Dried clematis vines can be woven into baskets or other forms of natural fiber art, combining traditional weaving techniques with garden pruning waste.
- Flowering clematis can be used as a backdrop for photography, providing a romantic and colorful setting for portraits or macro photography subjects.
- When creating garden pathways, clematis can be grown to arch over the walkways, creating a dynamic and inviting path through the landscape.
- As a teaching tool, clematis can be used to demonstrate the life cycle of plants and the process of climbing growth to students or novice gardeners.
- In urban environments, clematis can soften the hard lines of buildings when allowed to climb on external walls, contributing to the greening of urban spaces.
- Clematis seed heads, with their fluffy, silken-tufted appearance, can be used in floral arrangements or as unique natural decorations in the home during the fall and winter months.
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 Agility: The Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi,' also known as Leather Flower, often symbolizes intellectual dexterity and the ability to navigate through complex ideas, much like its vines which navigate through their surroundings.
- Creativity: Clematis plants, including the 'Kinju Atarashi,' are seen as a symbol of creativity, due to their intricate and diverse flower shapes and colors, suggesting an inspiration for artistic expressions.
- Ingenuity: The resourceful way the Clematis vine climbs and twists suggests ingenuity, making it a symbol of inventive and clever solutions.
- Aspiration: The upward growth of the Clematis vine symbolizes aspiration and striving for higher goals, with its reach often extending towards the sky or the canopy above.
WaterThe Clematis, commonly known for its showy vines, requires consistently moist soil, so it is essential to water it when the top inch of soil begins to dry out. Generally, a good approach is to water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring thorough hydration of the root zone. During hot summer months or drought conditions, you may need to water more frequently, possibly twice a week, to maintain the necessary moisture levels. Decrease watering in the dormant winter period to prevent waterlogging, which Clematis vines are particularly susceptible to. Always avoid wetting the foliage directly to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightClematis plants thrive best in a location where their foliage is in full sun to partial shade, making sure they receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. The base and the roots prefer to be in a cool, shaded area, so it's ideal to plant them where the lower part of the vine is shielded by other low-growing plants or mulch. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is often considered ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureClematis vines perform optimally in temperate regions and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F in the dormant winter state and as high as 90°F in the active growing season. The ideal growing temperature range for the Clematis is between 55°F and 75°F. It's important to protect the plant from harsh winter winds and extreme temperature fluctuations for the best results.
PruningPruning a Clematis encourages strong growth and flowering. For the Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi', which is a large-flowered hybrid, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring when buds begin to swell but before active growth starts. Prune lightly, removing only dead or weak stems, as this cultivar blooms on both old and new wood. Conduct a more thorough pruning every few years to keep the plant healthy and rejuvenated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis, commonly known as Queen of the Vines, prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix for clematis would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or grit to facilitate drainage. Additionally, incorporating organic matter like well-rotted manure can provide essential nutrients.
RepottingQueen of the Vines should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure the health of the plant and to refresh the soil. Care should be taken when repotting as clematis have delicate root systems.
Humidity & MistingClematis, or Queen of the Vines, thrive best in moderate humidity conditions. It's ideal to maintain the humidity level around 50%, which mimics the plant's natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Queen of the Vines in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade; shelter from strong winds; mulch roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Kinju Atarashi,' commonly known as Clematis, begins its life as a dormant bare-root plant or as a young plant in a nursery container. Upon planting, it enters a growth phase where it develops a strong root system and foliage, followed by long vines that will climb supports with the aid of its leaf petioles acting as tendrils. In late spring to early summer, and sometimes again in late summer or early autumn, it produces large, showy flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, some Clematis varieties may produce feathery seed heads that disperse with the help of the wind. During the autumn, the plant's above-ground growth dies back, especially in colder climates, while the root system remains alive in a period of dormancy. Come spring, the Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi' exits dormancy, initiating a new cycle of growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Clematis 'Kinju Atarashi', commonly known as clematis, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is halfway between tender and woody. To propagate by cuttings, a 4 to 6 inch long (10 to 15 cm) piece of stem is snipped just below a leaf node, and all but the top pair of leaves are removed. The cut end can be dipped into a rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth, and then the cutting is placed into a pot filled with a mix of half potting soil and half perlite or sand. The pot should then be covered with a plastic bag or placed into a propagator to maintain high humidity, and kept in a warm place with indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
