Clematis Maria Sklodowska-Curie Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie', bearing the name of the famous scientist, is a delightful addition to any garden, known for its ornamental qualities and vibrant appearance. This particular variety of Clematis stands out with its large, showy flowers. Each bloom is composed of multiple petals that create a rounded shape, often with a slight overlap. The petals are a creamy white color, with subtle hints of light green or yellow tones near the base, giving the flowers a fresh and inviting look. As the plant blossoms, the center of each flower showcases a prominent group of stamens, which are typically a contrasting yellowish shade, adding depth and texture to the flowers. When the Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' is in full bloom, it presents a lush display of these creamy white flowers, which can cover the plant so abundantly that the foliage beneath becomes almost hidden. The leaves of this Clematis are mid-green, adding a complementary backdrop to the blooms and contributing to the overall lush aesthetic of the plant. Beyond its floriferous display, this Clematis variety is appreciated for its extended blooming period, providing color and interest throughout the growing season. The plant's ability to climb and meander over structures makes it a great choice for adding vertical interest to gardens, offering a delightful curtain of flowers when given proper support to ascend.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Clematis 'Maria Skłodowska-Curie', Marie Curie Clematis, Double Flowering Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' (PBR) (EL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie', contains toxic compounds, which can cause mild to severe health issues if ingested. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in certain individuals. If parts of the plant are consumed, symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious symptoms such as internal bleeding or neurological issues. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these potential adverse health effects.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie', is also toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause symptoms ranging from drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea to more serious effects like potential mouth ulcers or gastrointestinal tract irritation. As with humans, ingestion of the plant should be avoided due to its toxic properties to ensure the safety and health of pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Garden origin
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' offers stunning large double flowers with a soft pink hue that can enhance the aesthetic of any garden design.
- Extended Blooming Season: This variety tends to bloom from late spring to early autumn, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Climbing Habit: As a climber, it can be used to cover walls, trellises, and arbors, helping to create vertical gardening elements.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of your garden's ecosystem.
- Hardiness: This clematis is known for being hardy in many climates, making it a resilient addition to a variety of garden zones.
- Easy to Prune: This plant falls into Pruning Group 2, which means it is relatively easy to prune, encouraging better growth and flowering.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be planted in borders, containers, or allowed to ramble through shrubs, offering diverse landscaping options.
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 eco-printing, a process where leaves and flowers are used to transfer natural pigments onto paper or fabric, leaving a unique print.
- The vining nature of Clematis makes it suitable for use in living walls or green curtains, where it can provide insulation and reduce heat in buildings.
- Clematis plants can be trained to grow over unsightly structures, such as old fences or sheds, thereby beautifying otherwise neglected areas.
- Crafted into floral crowns, Clematis flowers offer a delicate and artistic headpiece option for weddings and other special occasions.
- Clematis branches can be woven into natural art installations, with the flowers providing splashes of color within the piece.
- Used in photography, the vibrant Clematis flowers add a dynamic element to garden or plant-themed photo shoots.
- Clematis can be used as part of companion planting strategies to enhance garden biodiversity and attract beneficial pollinators.
- Incorporating the Clematis into storytelling or garden theatre, its flowers can symbolize ingenuity and perseverance, inspired by its namesake Marie Curie.
- When coupled with night-blooming plants, Clematis can contribute to a day-to-night garden experience, showcasing its blossoms during the day.
- The plant’s ability to climb and adapt has inspired some landscape artists to use Clematis in allegorical displays representing growth and ambition.
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: Named after the famous scientist Marie Curie, the Clematis symbolizes intellectual accomplishments and scientific breakthroughs, honoring human ingenuity and the quest for knowledge.
- Wisdom: This plant often represents wisdom due to its link with the historical figure known for her profound knowledge and achievements.
- Hope: The blooming of the Clematis signifies new beginnings and the hope that comes with each new venture or discovery, mirroring Marie Curie's innovative spirit.
- Mental Beauty: Just as Marie Curie was celebrated for her intellect, the Clematis can symbolize the beauty of the mind and inner thoughts.
- Strength: The vines' resilience and vigour reflect the strength of character, determination, and perseverance embodied by Marie Curie throughout her life's work.
WaterThe Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie', commonly known as clematis, requires consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. During the growing season, water the plant approximately once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. During hot and dry periods, additional watering may be necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightClematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' thrives best in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. It is ideal to plant it in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. This light condition will help ensure abundant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' prefers a temperate climate and does well in temperatures ranging between 50°F and 85°F. The plant can typically handle minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, however, it is best to provide some protection if temperatures dip lower. During extreme heat over 95°F, it's important to ensure adequate soil moisture and provide possible shade to prevent heat stress.
PruningPrune Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' to encourage vigorous growth and flowering. It is a Group 2 clematis, which means it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring by removing dead and weak stems. After the initial flush of flowers in late spring or early summer, cut back flowered stems to a pair of strong buds to encourage a second bloom in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis requires well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie' includes two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part gritty material like perlite for drainage.
RepottingClematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie' typically doesn't need to be repotted often as it's a perennial vine. It may only need repotting if it has outgrown its current container or if the soil has significantly degraded, generally every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie' prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements indoors but avoids extremely dry air. Moderate ambient humidity is ideal for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, support for climbing, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade; provide support and mulch root area.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Maria Sklodowska-Curie' begins its life cycle as a seed, where it undergoes germination when conditions are favorable, typically in spring. After germination, it enters the seedling stage, developing roots and shoots that push through the soil. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative stage, with vigorous vine growth and the development of compound leaves characteristic of Clematis. In late spring to early summer and often again in late summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing large, showy double flowers that are pale pink with a darker pink bar down the middle of each petal. After pollination, it develops seed heads that disperse seeds, continuing the cycle. During winter or in response to adverse conditions, the plant may go dormant, conserving energy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Maria Sklodowska-curie', commonly known as Clematis, is best propagated by layering in the spring. This method involves bending a flexible stem to the ground and securing it in place with a stake or a piece of wire. A small notch is often made on the underside of the stem to encourage rooting before it is covered with soil, leaving the tip of the shoot exposed. Over the course of a few months, roots will develop at the point of contact with the soil. Once a sufficient root system has established, which can be checked by gently tugging on the stem to feel for resistance, the new plant can be severed from the mother plant and transplanted to its desired location.
