Clematis Lilactime Clematis 'Lilactime' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Lilactime' is a visually delightful flowering plant renowned for its showy blooms that grace gardens with their beauty. With a captivating lilac hue, the flowers of this Clematis variety are particularly noted for their size and shape. The petals spread outwards, forming a wide-open, star-like appearance, and are typically adorned with a paler bar in the center that adds a striking contrast to the deep lilac color. Around the edges of the petals, there might be a hint of frilliness, giving the flowers an added texture and depth. At the heart of the Clematis 'Lilactime' blooms is a group of contrasting stamens, often hosting delicate anthers which can be quite noticeable. These stamens create a focal point that, combined with the light fragrance of the flowers, invites closer admiration and attracts various pollinators to the garden. The foliage of Clematis 'Lilactime' is also quite attractive, with bright green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the blooms. The leaves are typically compound, with a few leaflets per leaf, which adds to the dense and green appearance of this climbing plant. As a member of the Clematis family, 'Lilactime' boasts a climbing habit, which allows it to wrap and weave through supporting structures, like trellises or fences, showcasing its floriferous display at various levels within a garden setting. In terms of its flowering season, Clematis 'Lilactime' typically blooms in the late spring to early summer period, with the potential for a repeat flowering period in the later summer months, presenting gardeners with a long-lasting, colorful display. This, along with the plant's hardiness and relative ease of care, makes it a favored choice for those looking to create vertical interest in their garden landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Clematis 'Lilactime', Lilactime Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Lilactime' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Lilactime', is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains irritant glycosides which, when consumed, can cause symptoms such as mouth irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, excessive salivation. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation for some individuals, so it is advisable to wear gloves when working with clematis.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety 'Lilactime', is known to be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingesting the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset, which may present as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation caused by the plant's irritant glycosides. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious symptoms such as ataxia or even seizures. It is important to prevent pets from chewing or ingesting any part of the clematis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Lilactime' has striking lilac-colored flowers that add a splash of vibrant color to any garden setting.
- Vertical Interest: This climbing variety can grow up to a considerable height, making it ideal for creating vertical elements in garden designs such as on trellises, walls, or arbors.
- Seasonal Beauty: It blooms profusely in late spring to early summer, providing a seasonal display of beauty.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Space-Saving: Due to its climbing habit, Clematis 'Lilactime' is suitable for smaller gardens where ground space is limited.
- Versatility: This clematis can be grown in containers, which makes it suitable for patios, balconies, and areas where garden bed planting isn't possible.
- Easy Propagation: Cuttings can be taken to create new plants, making it an easy variety to propagate and share with fellow gardeners.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on fences or trellises, it can provide a natural privacy screen during the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden sculpture adornment: Clematis 'Lilactime' can be trained to grow over old metal sculptures or art pieces in the garden, giving them a vibrant floral cover and a new lease of life during blooming season.
- Livestock fodder enhancement: In rural settings, some clematis leaves may be mixed with other fodder for livestock as a minor nutritious supplement or to encourage feed variety.
- Photography backdrop: The plant's beautiful lilac blooms make an excellent backdrop for photographers looking for a natural floral setting.
- Educational tool: Clematis 'Lilactime' can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach plant training, pruning techniques, and flowering plant life cycles.
- Fragrance extraction: The subtle fragrance of Clematis 'Lilactime' can be captured and used in making perfumes or scented sachets.
- Artistic inspiration: The plant's beautiful flowers and growth habit can be used as inspiration for artists and designers, influencing everything from paintings to fabric patterns.
- Themed event decor: Clematis 'Lilactime' can be incorporated into floral arrangements or venue decorations for garden-themed weddings or events.
- Culinary decoration: Though not typically consumed, the non-toxic blooms could be used as a delicate garnish for special dishes at high-end restaurants or events to add a touch of floral elegance.
- Boundary delineation: When grown on fences, clematis can act as a living boundary marker that changes with the seasons, providing privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- Color therapy: Because of its soothing lilac color, the Clematis 'Lilactime' might be utilized in color therapy practices to promote calmness and relaxation in garden settings.
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 and Intellectualism - The complex structure of Clematis flowers symbolizes cleverness and mental prowess.
- Spiritual Enlightenment - The upward growth of Clematis vines suggests spiritual aspiration and striving for higher understanding.
- Mental Beauty - Reflective of its appealing blossoms, Clematis can signify the beauty of the mind or thoughts.
- Artistic Creativity - As Clematis 'Lilactime' produces beautiful blooms, it may represent the blossoming of creative ideas or artistic expression.
- Connection with the Divine - The way Clematis vines reach upwards has been seen as a symbol of human connection with the divine.
WaterThe Clematis 'Lilactime' should be watered thoroughly, with the soil being allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In terms of frequency, during the growing season, it should typically be watered once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant. However, this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions; more water may be needed during hot, dry spells and less during cooler, wet periods. Ensure the water is directed at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightClematis 'Lilactime' thrives in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, it is beneficial for the base and roots to be shaded or mulched to stay cool. The ideal spot would be one where the tops of the plants are in the sun while the bottom is in partial shade or protected by other low-growing plants or a mulch layer.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Lilactime' prefers a temperate range and can generally withstand winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but may suffer if temperatures drop below this. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so spring and fall are often the best times for growth. In summer, protect the plant from extreme heat, which can inhibit blooming if temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningClematis 'Lilactime' benefits from pruning to promote healthy growth, better airflow, and more blooms. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring when the buds start to swell. Cut back the previous year's growth to strong buds about 12 to 18 inches above the ground to stimulate new growth. Pruning can also be done immediately after the first bloom in the summer to shape the plant and encourage a second flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Lilactime', commonly known as Clematis, thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix consisting of equal parts garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or leaf mold will provide the necessary nutrients and structure. For container growth, adding perlite or vermiculite can improve drainage.
RepottingClematis 'Lilactime' does not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current container. Always repot in the spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Lilactime' prefers a moderate humidity level, but is tolerant of a wide range of conditions as long as the soil moisture is well-regulated. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in large pot with support for climbing, bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with roots shaded, provide support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Lilactime' (EL), commonly known as Clematis, starts its life as a seed, which when sown, germinates in soil given adequate warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges with primary leaves and begins to establish a root system, growing into a young plant with a vining habit. As it matures, Clematis develops a strong stem and tendrils, which it uses to climb and support itself if given a structure to cling to. The plant enters a flowering stage, showcasing lilac-colored blooms that can occur from late spring through early fall, depending on the climate and care. After pollination, flowers develop into seed heads that release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, Clematis 'Lilactime' undergoes periods of growth and dormancy, with the plant typically retreating below ground level during winter for dormancy, then re-emerging in spring to start the growth cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Lilactime' (EL), commonly known as Clematis, is typically propagated by layering or taking semi-hardwood cuttings. Among these, semi-hardwood cuttings are the most popular method for propagation. This procedure is usually carried out in late summer, after the annual flowering has ended and the vines have started to mature but are not yet fully hardened. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, ensuring it has at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed and the cut is made just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. The cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted to its final location.
