Clematis 'Markham's Pink' (A/d)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Markham's Pink', known more commonly as simply clematis, is an ornamental climbing plant that is prized for its beautiful flowers. The blooms of this variety are a soft pink hue with a hint of mauve, presenting a romantic and gentle appearance. The petals on each flower are broad and slightly ruffled, adding a touch of texture to their display, and they usually form in an open, star-like shape which reveals a small cluster of contrasting creamy-yellow stamens in the center, creating a stunning visual contrast. The foliage of Clematis 'Markham's Pink' consists of dark green leaves, which are divided into leaflets that provide a lush background for the blossoms. These leaves usually have a glossy appearance, providing an attractive gleam in the sunlight that further enhances the plant's visual appeal. This vigorous climber uses tendrils to gracefully ascend structures, such as trellises, arbors, or fences, adding vertical interest to gardens and outdoor spaces. The overall display created by this plant is one of abundant, cascading flowers against a backdrop of rich greenery, making it a popular choice for adding elegance and color to various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Markham's Pink Clematis, Markham's Pink Vine
Common names
There are no synonyms for Clematis 'Markham's Pink' (A/d).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Markham's Pink' variety, can be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, touching the plant may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It's not typically lethal but can be unpleasant and symptoms vary with the amount consumed.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Markham's Pink' variety, is also toxic to pets. Ingestion can lead to similar symptoms as seen in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to more severe symptoms, including ataxia (loss of coordination) or tremors, if a significant amount is ingested. Pet owners should prevent animals from consuming the plant and seek veterinary attention if they do.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Markham's Pink' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its vibrant pink flowers.
- Vertical Interest: Its climbing nature allows it to grow on trellises, walls, and fences, adding a new dimension to garden spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring or early summer, offering seasonal color and interest when many other plants are not yet in full bloom.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Privacy Screening: When grown along fences or walls, it can create a natural screen, providing privacy and reducing noise from surroundings.
- Shade Creation: When trained over arbors or pergolas, it can provide welcome shade during the warmer months.
- Low Maintenance: Clematis 'Markham's Pink' is relatively easy to care for once established, requiring only occasional pruning and regular watering.
- Durability: It is generally hardy and can withstand temperatures in cooler climates, making it a versatile choice for many gardens.
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 floral arrangements as climber vines which provide a cascading effect, enhancing the vertical beauty of the display.
- The climbing nature of Clematis can be trained to grow over unsightly structures like fences or sheds, camouflaging them with its foliage and flowers.
- Clematis vines are sometimes used in garden art installations to create natural sculptures or living walls for aesthetic purposes.
- The plant can be used as a privacy screen in gardens, as its dense growth can obscure the view into certain areas.
- Clematis can be grown in containers for use on balconies or patios where ground planting isn't feasible, allowing the enjoyment of its flowers in a smaller space.
- The long vines of Clematis can be used to cover trellises or pergolas, creating a shady nook underneath with a burst of color from the flowers.
- In crafting, the dried seed heads of Clematis can be used to add an interesting texture and shape to wreaths or other dried floral arrangements.
- Gardeners can use the Clematis to create theme gardens, such as a 'pink garden' where 'Markham's Pink' would contribute its pink blooms to the color scheme.
- Clematis can be trained along wires to form a living curtain on outdoor porches or areas that need a visual or light barrier.
- The plant can serve as habitat enhancement, providing shelter, and potential nesting sites for small birds or beneficial insects within a garden ecosystem.
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 artifice: The Clematis often symbolizes cleverness and strategic thinking due to its climbing nature, finding its way up with resourcefulness.
- Mental beauty: This flower is sometimes associated with the beauty of the mind, perhaps because of its intricate and delicate appearance.
- Faithfulness in love: In the Victorian language of flowers, Clematis signifies faithfulness and clinging to something (or someone), similar to the way the plant clings to structures.
WaterClematis, commonly known by the name 'Clematis Markham's Pink', should be watered deeply, ensuring the water reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. It is generally recommended to water about one gallon per week, but this can vary depending on the climate and soil type. During the growing season, ensure the plant receives enough water to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; if it's particularly hot or dry, you may need to water more frequently. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
LightClematis Markham's Pink thrives in conditions where it can receive around six hours of sunlight daily. Ideally, plant it in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the late day. Avoid full shade as this will significantly reduce flowering.
TemperatureClematis Markham's Pink performs best in temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from harsh winter winds. Applying mulch around the base can help maintain a stable root temperature.
PruningClematis Markham's Pink benefits from pruning to promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or weak stems. This clematis blooms on current year's growth, so cutting it back to about 12 to 18 inches above ground level will encourage new shoots. The best time for pruning is just before the active growing season begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Markham's Pink', also known as Markham's Pink Clematis, thrives in well-draining, moist soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite can be ideal, ensuring adequate fertility and drainage.
RepottingMarkham's Pink Clematis should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growth of its root system. It's best to repot before the onset of the new growing season in early spring.
Humidity & MistingMarkham's Pink Clematis prefers a moderate humidity level but is adaptable to various outdoor humidity conditions. It doesn't have specific humidity requirements but should be kept in an environment that simulates its natural outdoor setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade; provide support structures.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Markham's Pink', commonly known as Markham's Pink Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination gives rise to a small seedling with primary leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, during which it develops a robust root system and vines equipped with tendrils that enable it to climb structures or other plants for support. Following this, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing pink, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits, which are fluffy, plume-like structures containing seeds. These seeds are dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to spread to new locations. As a perennial, after the flowering and fruiting season, the above-ground portion of the plant dies back, while the root system remains alive to produce new growth the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Clematis 'Markham's Pink', also known as Clematis, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in the spring when the plant is actively growing and the new stems are just hardening off but are not yet fully mature. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy shoot and cut a 4- to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be placed into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and kept in a warm, humid environment but out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly in the garden.
