Clematis Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' is characterized by its large, showy flowers that are particularly striking when in full bloom. The flowers are typically a soft, captivating lavender-blue shade, although their color can vary slightly depending on the light and environmental conditions. The blooms possess an elegant, slightly satiny sheen and are comprised of six to eight broad, overlapping petals that taper to graceful points. At the center of each flower is a cluster of stamen, featuring filaments with creamy yellow anthers that contrast nicely with the cool tones of the petals, adding depth and dimension to the bloom's appearance. These flowers can make quite a statement in the garden when they emerge, typically during late spring to early summer, with some plants offering a second flush of flowers later in the season. The foliage of Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' is also attractive, with the leaves being bright green, giving the plant a lush, healthy look. These leaves are compound, consisting of individual leaflets that are somewhat spear-shaped, with edges that are smooth or slightly toothed. The vine itself is vigorous and climbing by nature, utilizing leaf stalks that can curl and twirl around various supports, such as trellises, arbors, or other plants, to elevate its beautiful blooms towards the light. This climbing ability allows the clematis to intertwine with other plants or landscape features and can contribute a vertical element to gardens and outdoor spaces. Overall, Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' is highly prized for its ornamental value, with its richly colored flowers providing a stunning visual display wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Mrs. Cholmondeley Clematis, Cholmondeley Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis is known to contain toxic compounds known as glycosides. These compounds can cause irritation in the mouth, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may progress to include nervous system issues or convulsions. Skin contact with the plant's sap may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Ingesting parts of the clematis plant is therefore not advised, and care should be taken to avoid skin contact with its sap, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety 'Mrs Cholmondeley', can be toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains irritating glycosides which can lead to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can also cause neurological symptoms, such as tremors or seizures. Skin contact with the sap may lead to irritation or dermatitis. It is important to prevent pets from eating or coming into contact with this plant. If ingestion occurs, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender-blue
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
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' is known for its large, beautiful lavender-blue flowers, which add aesthetic appeal to any garden space.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, thus promoting biodiversity.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used for various landscaping purposes, such as covering trellises, arbors, or walls, or even as a ground cover if supported.
- Seasonal Interest: This clematis variety has a long blooming period, typically from late spring to early summer, providing visual interest over an extended period.
- Privacy and Screening: When grown on structures, it can provide privacy screens or hide unattractive areas in the garden.
- Easy Propagation: Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' can be easily propagated from cuttings or layering, making it simple for gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Color Combinations: The plant pairs well with a variety of other garden plants, offering opportunities for complementary or contrasting color schemes.
- Creates Structure: When used with garden supports, it gives height and structure to garden design, which can be particularly useful in smaller spaces.
- Growth Habit: Its climbing habit allows it to grow vertically, which can be beneficial for gardens with limited horizontal space.
- Seasonal Adaptability: It is relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of climates, making it suitable for many temperate gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: Clematis 'Mrs. Cholmondeley' can serve as a stunning backdrop for portrait and macro photography due to its large, attractive flowers.
- Education Material: Gardeners and educators can use this plant to teach pruning techniques for Clematis groups, which differ depending on the flowering time.
- Livestock Fodder: In some regions, the foliage of Clematis, if not poisonous, has been used sparingly as fodder for livestock such as goats.
- Erosion Control: When planted on slopes, the dense growth habit of Clematis 'Mrs. Cholmondeley' can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Insect Habitat: These plants can offer shelter to beneficial garden insects and can be used as part of an integrated pest management system.
- Craft Materials: The vines of mature plants can be harvested and used to create woven crafts such as wreaths or small baskets.
- Water Garden Accent: Though not a water plant, Clematis 'Mrs. Cholmondeley' can be grown near water features to enhance the aesthetic of the aquatic environment.
- Shade Provider: When grown over arbors or trellises, the plant can provide dappled shade for seating areas or less heat-tolerant plants.
- Sound Barrier: A thick growth of Clematis on a fence or wall can help dampen noise from the surrounding area.
- Privacy Screen: If grown densely on suitable supports, Clematis 'Mrs. Cholmondeley' can be used to create a natural privacy screen in the garden.
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 Clematis, known for its climbing ability, symbolizes cleverness and mental agility, reflecting the plant's ability to find its way through complex situations.
- Beauty: With its large and vibrant flowers, the Clematis represents beauty and aesthetics, suggesting an appreciation for the finer things in life.
- Artistry: The Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' is admired for its artistic blossoms, symbolizing creativity and artistic expression.
- Mental Prowess: The intricate nature of its vines and flowers can also symbolize intellectual achievement and the value of thoughtfulness.
- Aspiration: As a climbing plant, the Clematis can symbolize lofty goals and high aspirations, as it reaches upwards towards the sun.
WaterThe Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' requires consistent moisture to thrive but does not like to be waterlogged. It's best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per session. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to root rot. Adjust watering throughout the seasons, reducing the amount in the cooler months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightClematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' prefers a location where it can receive about 6 hours of sunlight daily, with some dappled shade in the afternoon to protect it from intense, direct sun. The ideal spot would allow for the roots to be in the shade while the foliage and vines bask in the sun. It's best planted against a fence or trellis that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade.
TemperatureClematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 20 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost can damage new growth, so it's important to protect the plant during sudden cold snaps. The ideal growing temperature for Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning encourages healthy growth and flowering in Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley'. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant falls into pruning group 2, meaning light pruning is recommended to remove dead or weak stems and to shape the plant. The best time to prune is after the first flush of blooms has finished in early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of loamy soil, compost, and a handful of granular fertilizer. The pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from about 6.5 to 7.5. It's crucial to ensure that the root area stays cool and shaded while the top growth receives adequate sunlight.
RepottingClematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley', like many clematis varieties, does not need frequent repotting. It's typically only necessary to repot these plants if they outgrow their current container, which could take several years. However, refreshing the top layer of soil annually can provide extra nutrients.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' thrives best in outdoor conditions where it can receive natural airflow, hence it does not have strict humidity requirements. Normal outdoor humidity levels are generally suitable for this plant, without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide support for climbing and ample sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, mulch roots, provide support to climb.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' begins its life as a seed which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows into a young vine and, given adequate support, it will start to climb by curling its leaf stems around nearby structures. As it matures, the vine develops a robust and woody stem, which can live for many years if it's not affected by pests or diseases. During spring and early summer, the mature plant produces large, pale lavender-blue flowers that can be up to 20 centimeters across, attracting pollinators to the garden. After blooming, the flowers are followed by fluffy seed heads that release seeds, propagating the next generation. In the winter, the plant enters dormancy, with the above-ground portion dying back, only to resprout from the root system when the weather warms.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley', often referred to simply as Clematis, can typically be propagated in late winter or early spring. The most popular method for propagating this plant is through layering. This involves bending a low-growing, flexible stem toward the ground and covering a portion of it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. In time, roots will form at the point of contact with the soil. The new plant can then be severed from the parent once the roots are well established, usually after a growing season, and transplanted to a desired location. This method makes use of the plant's natural tendency to root along the stems when they come into contact with moist soil.
