Clematis Lagoon Clematis macropetala 'Lagoon' Jackman 1959 (A/d)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Lagoon' is a flowering plant known for its vibrant flowers and attractive appearance. The plant is characterized by its beautiful, large, nodding flowers that display a rich, deep blue color. Each flower consists of four to six petal-like structures known as tepals which have a silky, satin-like texture. The tepals gently overlap to form a full, rounded shape, and their edges may exhibit a delicate ruffling which adds to the ornate quality of each bloom. The center of the flower features a conspicuous contrasting tuft of stamens which often appear in shades of creamy yellow or paler blue, adding an eye-catching detail to the flower's center. These stamens are prominent and contribute to the plant's ornamental value. The leaves of Clematis 'Lagoon' are medium green, compound, and comprise several small, leaflets with a smooth edge. They are arranged alternately along the stems, providing a lush, green backdrop to the striking flowers. The foliage often takes on a slightly glossy appearance, contributing further to the plant's attractiveness. As a climber, this particular variety has a twining and vining growth habit, which makes it suitable for growing over structures like trellises, fences, or arbors where it can showcase its full floral display prominently. The flowers bloom from midspring to early summer, followed by an often less prolific flowering in late summer, providing gardeners and onlookers with a prolonged season of visual interest. Clematis 'Lagoon' is a popular choice among garden enthusiasts for its stunning blue flowers and its ability to add vertical interest to gardens without taking up much horizontal space. The contrast between the lush green foliage and the vivid blue blooms creates a striking visual impact in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Downy Clematis, Siberian Clematis.
Common names
Clematis macropetala 'Lagoon' Jackman 1959 (A/d).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Clematis can be toxic if ingested. The toxicity is due to compounds called glycosides and irritant sap, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and excessive salivation. Contact with the sap can also lead to skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It's important to handle Clematis with care and to ensure that it is not ingested, especially by children, as the consequences can include digestive distress and possible complications from dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.
To pets
Clematis, when ingested by pets, can be toxic. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in animals due to glycosides and the irritant sap it contains. It may also lead to additional signs of alimentary distress or irritation. If a pet consumes a significant amount of the plant, it's important to consult a veterinarian, as the symptoms can lead to dehydration or other secondary issues that may require medical attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Lagoon' adds visual interest to gardens with its large, showy, blue-violet flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
- Climbing Habit: It can be used to cover walls, trellises, fences, or arbors, providing vertical interest in garden design.
- Longevity: Once established, it is a hardy and long-lived plant, ensuring years of enjoyment without needing to replant frequently.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its bloom time in spring and its attractive seed heads in the fall.
- Compact Growth: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or growing in containers where space is limited.
- Pruning Flexibility: It belongs to pruning group A/d, meaning it requires minimal pruning, which is ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Variety in Landscaping: The 'Lagoon' variety provides an opportunity to incorporate a splash of color with its distinctive blue-violet flowers amidst other plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photo Backdrop: Clematis 'Lagoon' can be grown against a wall or trellis to create a stunning blue-flowered backdrop for outdoor photography or events.
- Garden Sculpture Embellishment: This clematis can be trained to grow on garden sculptures, adding a natural, flowering element to the artwork.
- Privacy Screening: When grown on fences or screens, Clematis 'Lagoon' can provide a beautiful and dense living barrier for privacy.
- Floral Art: The flowers of Clematis 'Lagoon' can be used in floral art or arrangements for their vibrant color and ornate form.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about climbing plant mechanisms and pollinator attractions.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the petals can be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish on special dishes.
- Handmade Paper: The fibrous material from stems can be incorporated into paper making for a textured finish.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of Clematis 'Lagoon' could potentially be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Seed Pod Crafts: The decorative seed heads can be harvested and used in dried floral arrangements or for craft projects.
- Themed Gardens: This variety of clematis can be part of a "blue-themed" garden or an "ocean-inspired" landscape design.
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 intricate design of the Clematis 'Lagoon' is often associated with clever solutions and creativity, reflecting the plant's complex and beautiful blossoms.
- Mental Beauty: This flower can symbolize the allure of inner thought and intellect, as its striking appearance prompts consideration of deeper meanings and ideas.
- Spiritual Pursuit: Climbing nature of the plant represents the journey of the soul towards higher understanding and enlightenment.
- Resilience: As a hardy climber that can adapt to various conditions, the Clematis 'Lagoon' is also symbolic of the ability to persevere and thrive despite challenges.
WaterFor the Downy Clematis, it is essential to ensure consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water this vine deeply once a week, aiming for about one gallon per plant. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. However, be cautious not to overwater, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Adjust the amount and frequency of watering depending on the climate and soil drainage.
LightThe Downy Clematis does best in a location that receives partial to full sunlight. Aim for a spot that gets at least six hours of sun per day. However, while the blooms and foliage appreciate sunlight, it is beneficial to keep the root zone shaded, either by other plants or a mulch layer, to keep the roots cool.
TemperatureThe Downy Clematis thrives in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing shade during the hottest part of the day can prevent heat stress.
PruningPrune the Downy Clematis to encourage strong growth and improve flowering. This variety should be lightly pruned in early spring, removing dead or weak stems. Since it blooms on old wood, be careful not to cut back too much, or you'll lose the year's blooms. Thinning out congested growth can also help improve plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Lagoon' requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A suitable soil mix would be one-third each of loamy garden soil, well-decomposed compost, and coarse sand or perlite for drainage. Additionally, a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
RepottingClematis 'Lagoon' typically does not need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. It should be repotted when it outgrows its current container or the soil becomes exhausted, generally every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Lagoon' prefers a moderate level of humidity. While it can tolerate some variation, it thrives best in environments where the humidity is consistently around 50-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, partial sun, and provide a trellis.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Lagoon' begins its life cycle as a dormant, bare-root or potted specimen when planted in early spring or fall. After planting, the root system establishes itself and new shoots emerge from the crown. The plant enters a vegetative growth stage, producing climbing stems and compound leaves. During late spring or early summer, 'Lagoon' produces its first flush of large, semi-double to double, blue-violet flowers. After blooming, if the flowers are not deadheaded, they may develop into fluffy, plume-like seed heads. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder winter months, although the exact timing of this dormant phase can vary depending on the climate.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis macropetala 'Lagoon', commonly known as Clematis 'Lagoon', is often propagated by layering in late winter or early spring. This method involves bending a stem towards the ground and covering a part of it with soil, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the ground. The stem section under the soil will develop roots over time, and once these roots are well established, usually within a season, this new plant can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to a desired location. Layering mimics the natural process where a stem touches the ground and roots spontaneously, thus it is a popular method because it does not require complex techniques and has a high success rate.
