Clematis 'Mrs George Jackman' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Mrs George Jackman' is an ornamental plant known for its showy flowers and climbing habit, often used to adorn trellises, walls, or fences. This variety showcases large, impressive blooms that are particularly eye-catching due to their color and form. The flowers are white to slightly cream-colored, with a satin-like sheen on their broad petals. At the center of each flower, there is a striking contrast with a group of delicate, slightly fuzzy-looking structures that emanate a creamy or pale yellow shade. These blooms are star-shaped, with their petals unfurling elegantly from a central point. The leaves of this plant have a green shade, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. They are divided into leaflets, often in groups of three, presenting a toothed or somewhat jagged edge which adds texture to the foliage. The foliage arrangement contributes to a dense, green coverage over the structures that the plant climbs on. This climber wraps its tendrils around supports, which enables it to reach upwards and spread, creating a vertical element of beauty in the garden. The contrast between the green leaves and the white to cream-colored blooms makes Clematis 'Mrs George Jackman' a sought-after choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces. Its blooming period adds to its appeal, as it brings vibrant life to gardens when many plants may not be at their peak display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Mrs George Jackman Clematis, Jackman's Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Mrs. George Jackman' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis plant is known for being mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The toxicity is due to the presence of compounds such as protoanemonin, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort. Symptoms of poisoning from the Clematis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation. In some cases, contact with the skin can result in dermatitis. If any part of the plant is ingested, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The Clematis plant is also toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Similar to its effects on humans, if ingested, it can cause symptoms like vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, and possibly drooling. The toxicity is due to a compound called protoanemonin, which can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract of the animal. In case of ingestion, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet 3 inches (3.12 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Clematis 'Mrs George Jackman' is known for its large, attractive white flowers with striking purple stamens, which provide visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatile Climbing Habit: Being a vine, it can adorn walls, trellises, and fences, adding vertical beauty to any space.
- Prolonged Flowering Period: This cultivar has a long blooming season, typically from late spring to early autumn, offering extended visual enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and benefiting other plants in the garden.
- Easy Pruning: Group 2 pruning category, meaning that it can be easily maintained with light pruning to encourage growth and flowering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Clematis can be used to create delicate and unique natural dyes for textiles, imparting subtle shades of color.
- Fabric design inspiration: Artists and fabric designers can draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and colors of Clematis flowers to create textile prints and weaves.
- Educational tool: Clematis can be used in botanical studies and educational programs to demonstrate plant growth habits, such as twining around structures.
- Photography subject: The striking blooms of Clematis make it an excellent subject for botanical photography, showcasing the beauty of garden plants.
- Ephemeral art material: Petals and vines of Clematis can be used in ephemeral art compositions, which are temporary and influenced by nature.
- Arts and crafts: Dried Clematis blooms can be used in the creation of natural arts and crafts projects, such as pressed flower arrangements.
- Garden design teaching: Clematis can serve as a case study in garden design courses, demonstrating the use of climbing plants in vertical gardening.
- Theme gardening: Clematis can reflect themes in a garden, such as a Victorian or cottage style garden, due to its traditional and romantic appearance.
- Horticultural therapy: Planting and caring for Clematis can be therapeutic, providing a calming activity that improves mental well-being.
- Plant competitions: Exceptionally grown Clematis specimens can be entered into horticultural competitions, showcasing the grower's skill in nurturing the plant.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenious: Clematis plants are known for their climbing nature, symbolizing cleverness and the ability to find a way in adversity.
- Mental Beauty: With its attractive flowers, clematis is often associated with the beauty of the mind or the celebration of intellectual achievements.
- Artistic Inspiration: The clematis’s impressive blooms can symbolize the blossoming of creativity and inspiration for artists and creatives.
- Traveler's Joy: This nickname suggests a sense of adventure and the joy of exploring new horizons.
WaterThe Clematis 'Mrs George Jackman', commonly known as Jackman's Clematis, should be watered thoroughly once a week during its growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During the winter months or dormant period, reduce watering to every few weeks, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightJackman's Clematis thrives in a spot that has full sun to part shade. The ideal location would be one where the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight a day but is shielded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. This will ensure it gets the light it needs without suffering from potential heat damage.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Jackman's Clematis is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may need some protection from extreme cold. During the hottest parts of summer, temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so some shading may be beneficial.
PruningJackman's Clematis should be pruned to encourage vigorous growth and to maintain a desirable shape. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant falls into Pruning Group 2, where light pruning to remove dead and weak stems is recommended, and cutting back to strong buds is done every year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis, also known as Traveller's Joy, thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH close to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix should contain garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure to enrich nutrient content; a two-parts garden soil to one-part compost and manure ratio is beneficial.
RepottingThe Traveller's Joy should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. This will help to replenish the soil and provide space for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Traveller's Joy enjoys moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions for healthy growth, as long as it is planted in an outdoor garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide proper support, ample light, and consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to part shade, moist soil, and a structure to climb.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Mrs. George Jackman' initiates its life cycle when its seeds germinate, preferring well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun conditions. After germination, the seedling develops into a young plant, establishing a strong root system and beginning to send out vines. As it matures, the clematis produces long, climbing stems which require support, and it can be trained on trellises, fences, or arbors. In late spring to early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, displaying large, showy white flowers with creamy or slightly greenish stamens. Following pollination, the clematis sets seed, producing feathery, plume-like seed heads that can be distributed by wind. The plant then enters dormancy in the colder months, often dying back to the ground in freezing climates, to re-emerge and repeat its growth cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Clematis 'Mrs. George Jackman', commonly referred to as clematis, is most commonly propagated by layering or taking semi-hardwood cuttings during the summer months. To propagate by layering, one needs to select a healthy, flexible stem and gently bend it towards the ground. A small section of the stem is scraped to expose the inner tissues and then pegged down into the soil, sometimes with the aid of a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The layered section should be kept moist and is typically left in place until the following spring, at which point it will have developed roots and can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted. This method is popular as it retains the characteristics of the parent plant and does not require as much care as cuttings might.
