Clematis Maria Cornelia Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' (PBR) (Vt)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' is known for its large, star-shaped flowers that adorn the vine with vibrant colors. The blooms typically come in a rich purple hue, often exhibiting a gradient of shades with lighter or darker tones toward the edges or the bases of the petals. Each flower consists of multiple pointed petals that radiate symmetrically from the center, creating an impressive display when they emerge in abundance. The petals themselves may have a slightly velvety texture, and in the middle of each flower, there is a contrasting array of stamens, which can be a creamy yellow or a lighter purple, adding to the visual depth of the blossoms. These stamens stand out against the deeper color of the petals and draw in pollinators as well as the attention of gardeners and passersby. Supporting the flowers are dark green leaves that have a leathery feel and are compound in nature, often with multiple leaflets per leaf. These leaves can provide a lush backdrop to the flowers, creating a tapestry of green that lasts even when the plant is not in bloom. The vine's climbing habit allows it to wrap around supports like trellises, arbors, or fences, gracefully draping the surfaces it grows on with foliage and flowers. The overall effect of the Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' in full bloom is that of a stunning cascade of color, making it a cherished addition to many gardens for its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Maria Cornelia', Maria Cornelia Clematis, Viticella Clematis 'Maria Cornelia'.
Common names
Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' (PBR) (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis, which includes the 'Maria Cornelia' cultivar, is considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. The plant contains irritants that can lead to mouth and stomach discomfort. Prolonged contact with the sap may lead to skin irritation or dermatitis for some individuals. Care should be taken to avoid ingesting any part of the Clematis plant, and parents should ensure that young children are kept away from it.
To pets
The Clematis plant, including the 'Maria Cornelia' cultivar, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a Clematis plant, they may experience symptoms including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to tremors or seizures. It is essential to prevent pets from chewing or ingesting any part of the plant, and if suspected poisoning occurs, consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces large, striking flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: Can be trained to climb walls, fences, trellises, and arbors, offering versatile landscaping options.
- Long Blooming Season: Features a long flowering period, providing color and beauty for an extended time.
- Hardiness: Adapts well to a range of climates and is generally hardy once established.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can create dense foliage that serves as a privacy screen.
- Wildlife Friendly: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Color Variety: Offers a range of flower colors and shapes, allowing for personalized garden design.
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 in mixed containers or large pots where they can climb on small trellises or spread over the edges, adding vertical appeal to patio or balcony gardens.
- The plant's fibers, once dried, could potentially be used in the creation of natural craft materials such as twine or ropes for garden use or decorative items.
- Dried clematis vines can serve as natural kindling for outdoor fire pits or campfires, offering an organic means to help start a fire.
- Clematis petals can be pressed and included in personal stationery or greeting cards for an unusual, artisan touch.
- The plant's vine-like stems can be woven into baskets or other forms of natural weave art, providing a delicate, lace-like appearance.
- Fallen Clematis leaves can be collected and used as a natural mulch for garden beds, conserving soil moisture and suppressing weeds.
- Clematis can be trained to grow over unsightly structures in the garden, such as utility boxes or old fences, to enhance visual aesthetics.
- The intricate pattern of Clematis vines can be used as a natural stencil for creative outdoor painting projects on walls or fabric.
- Clematis can be included as part of a living green roof project, where their climbing habit can contribute to the diversity and aesthetic of rooftop green spaces.
- The woody stems of Clematis can be cut and used as support stakes for other plants in the garden, giving them a second life as functional tools.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingeniousness - The Clematis, with its ability to climb and adapt to its surroundings, often represents mental agility and the ability to find creative solutions to problems.
- Mental Beauty - As a plant known for its striking flowers, the Clematis is sometimes associated with the beauty of the mind or thoughts, and the value of inner intellectual beauty over external appearance.
- Artistic Inspiration - Clematis blooms are often seen as a muse for artists and creatives, symbolizing the flow of inspiration and the blossoming of creative ideas.
- Aspiration and Determination - The upward growth of the climbing Clematis can symbolize striving towards goals and ambitions with determination and perseverance.
- Spiritual Pursuit - In some cultures, the Clematis' growth towards the sky is associated with spiritual ascension and the pursuit of higher states of consciousness.
WaterThe Clematis 'Maria Cornelia', commonly known as the Viticella Clematis, should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the plant with about 1 gallon of water once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. It's essential to ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency. Always aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
LightViticella Clematis thrives best in a location that provides full sun to partial shade. Planting it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day will promote vigorous growth and prolific flowering. However, it is essential to protect the base of the plant and roots from strong afternoon sun, which can be achieved by strategically placing other low-growing plants around it or using mulch to shade the root area.
TemperatureViticella Clematis grows best in temperatures between 55°F to 75°F but can tolerate a range from the minimum of 25°F to a high of 85°F. While they are quite hardy plants, they should be protected from extremely cold winter winds and frost. Mulching the base can help to insulate the root system against sudden temperature drops that could otherwise damage the plant.
PruningPruning your Viticella Clematis encourages vigorous growth and blooms. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Since Viticella Clematis is in pruning group 3, it can be cut back to about 12 to 18 inches above the ground, as it flowers on the current year's growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems at this time, and give the plant a chance to grow back fuller and more robust.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' is well-draining, fertile, and moisture-retentive with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand would provide good conditions for growth.
RepottingClematis 'Maria Cornelia' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container, to ensure adequate room for root growth and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Maria Cornelia' prefers average air humidity levels, as extreme humidity is not necessary. Ensure that the environment does not become too dry which can be common in indoor settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide support, bright indirect light, and cool feet.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with good support and cool roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Maria Cornelia', commonly known as "Viticella Clematis," begins its life as a dormant, bare-root plant or as a young, actively growing vine in a container. Its first stage involves rooting and sprouting, establishing a strong root system and sending up shoots which will develop into trailing or climbing stems. During the growing season, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing leaves and elongated vines capable of climbing supports. Following this, Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' enters its flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, where it produces large, colorful flowers that are its most distinguishing feature. After pollination, if it occurs, the plant may produce feathery seed heads which contain seeds that can be dispersed by wind to propagate the plant. Finally, as the cold season approaches, the plant enters dormancy, with the above-ground portion dying back in areas with cold winters, allowing it to survive until the next growing season when the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Maria Cornelia', often just called Clematis, is typically propagated through layering or cuttings, and the ideal time to do this is during the spring or early summer months when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method is taking semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' using this method, select a healthy section of stem that is not flowering and cut it to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). The cut should be made just below a set of leaves, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then the cutting should be inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the medium, and keep the cutting in a warm, bright place out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop in a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new Clematis can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted out in the garden.
