Clematis Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' is a striking flowering vine known for its vibrant blooms. The plant is characterized by its large flowers, which can be quite eye-catching. Each bloom showcases beautiful petals that range in color from a vivid purplish-pink to a more subtle mauve, depending on the age of the flower and environmental conditions. The petals have a slightly ruffled edge, giving them a rich, textured look against the green foliage. The leaves and stems of the Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' provide a lush backdrop for the flowers. The leaves are typically a deep green, which create a lovely contrast with the colorful blooms. These leaves are arranged alternately along the vining stems and have a simple yet attractive shape with a smooth to slightly serrated edge. Overall, the appearance of Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' is one that brings elegance and a pop of color to any garden landscape. It's a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest to their outdoor spaces, as it can gracefully climb over trellises, fences, and other support structures, showcasing its floriferous display throughout the blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis, Leatherflower, Traveller's Joy.
Common names
Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Mrs. T. Lundell' variety, is considered to be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds known as glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms can progress to mouth ulcers and internal bleeding. Although fatalities are rare, the ingestion of Clematis can potentially lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and should be treated by medical professionals.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Mrs. T. Lundell' variety, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The toxin found in Clematis can cause symptoms in pets that are similar to those in humans, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can result in ataxia (loss of coordination) and other nervous system effects. If a pet ingests Clematis, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to manage the symptoms and prevent more serious complications.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its large, showy flowers.
- Vertical Interest: Climbs trellises, walls, and fences, adding vertical dimension to the landscape.
- Variety of Colors: Blossoms in a range of colors, enhancing the visual variety of the garden setting.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a display of blooms typically in late spring or early summer, marking the season with vibrant color.
- Wildlife Attraction: Draws pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Privacy Screening: Can be used to create natural privacy screens when grown on structures.
- Shade Production: Offers shade when grown over pergolas or arbors, creating cooler areas in the garden.
- Easy Pruning: Responds well to pruning, which makes it easier to manage and shape according to garden design needs.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with vibrancy and mental agility, adding an element of tradition and symbolism to 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 Backdrops: The vibrant flowers of the Clematis can serve as an excellent backdrop for macro and portrait photography, adding a lively touch to the composition.
- Private Spaces: Dense growth of Clematis can be directed over fences or screens to create private areas in gardens or terraces.
- Shade Provider: Trained over pergolas or arbors, the Clematis offers a natural canopy, providing shade and cooler areas to sit under during hot days.
- Support for Other Plants: Clematis can be used in companion planting to offer support to weaker plants or those that need a structure to climb on.
- Mood Enhancement: The bright colors and presence of Clematis in a garden setting can help uplift moods and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
- Creative Crafts: Dried Clematis vines can be used to weave baskets, make wreaths, or as part of other decorative crafts.
- Seasonal Decorations: Fresh or dried Clematis flowers and vines can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths, table centerpieces, or other festive decorations.
- Educational Tool: Clematis can be used in schools or educational programs to teach students about climbing plants, pruning techniques, and plant biology.
- Natural Fencing: Clematis vines can be grown densely to serve as a visual barrier, dividing spaces naturally in a landscape design.
- Wildlife Attraction: Planting Clematis can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination in the 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- Mental Agility: Clematis plants often symbolize mental agility due to their climbing nature, always reaching upwards, which can be interpreted as a sign of intellectual or creative aspiration.
- Ingenuity: Known for their ability to adapt and grow in various conditions, clematis symbolizes ingenuity and the ability to find creative solutions to problems.
- Beauty: With its striking flowers, clematis often represents beauty and the aesthetic pleasure it brings to onlookers, demonstrating nature's artful displays.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant and varied colors of clematis blooms can represent artistic inspiration, suggesting bursts of creativity and original thinking.
WaterClematis 'Mrs T. Lundell', commonly known as Virgin's Bower, prefers consistent moisture, so it should be watered about once a week with about 1 gallon of water. In particularly hot or dry weather, you may need to water twice a week to maintain moisture. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Deep, infrequent watering is more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering because it encourages deeper root growth.
LightVirgin's Bower thrives in a location where it can receive about 6 hours of sunlight each day, but it also benefits from partial shade especially during the hottest part of the day. An ideal spot would be one where the plant's roots are shaded, possibly by low-growing foliage or mulch, while its vines and flowers can grow towards the light.
TemperatureVirgin's Bower can withstand a wide range of temperatures but grows best in regions where the average temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. It has a resilience to minimum winter temperatures down to around 20°F and can handle summer highs up to around 90°F.
PruningPrune Virgin's Bower after blooming finishes to encourage new growth and additional blooming. Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' falls into Pruning Group 2, meaning it should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead and weak stems; afterwards, immediately after the first bloom, cut back the top third of the plant to promote a second flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis, commonly 'Mrs T. Lundell', thrives in a well-drained soil mix with a pH around 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix for Clematis includes two parts loam, one part well-rotted manure or compost, and one part grit or perlite for drainage. Ensure the planting area or pot is deep enough to accommodate the plant's extensive root system.
RepottingClematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring before the plant enters its active growth phase, using a larger pot to give the roots more room to grow.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Mrs T. Lundell' prefer humidity levels that mimic their natural outdoor environment. Average room humidity is typically sufficient, but avoid overly dry conditions which may require the occasional misting to maintain a moderate humidity around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide ample light, cool room, and train on a trellis.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade; train on a structure.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Mrs T. Lundell', a variant of the climbing Clematis plant, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops its first true leaves, progressively growing into a juvenile vine with the characteristic compound leaves. As it matures, it develops a robust root system and stems that lengthen and climb, using petioles as tendrils to support itself. The plant reaches maturity and starts flowering typically from late spring to early summer, producing showy, large purple flowers that are key to its ornamental appeal. Following pollination, the flowers develop into feathery seed heads containing seeds that can disperse to begin a new life cycle. In the dormant season, usually during winter, the above-ground portion may die back, especially in colder climates, but the plant can resprout from its perennial root system when conditions become favorable again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Mrs T. Lundell', also known as Viticella Clematis, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is best performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is green and flexible. Cuttings should be taken from the plant using a sharp, clean tool to reduce the risk of infection and ensure a clean cut. Ideally, the cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with at least two sets of leaves. The lower set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cutting is placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node (the part of the stem from which leaves emerge) is buried in the soil. The pot should then be placed in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight, and kept consistently moist until roots have formed, which typically takes several weeks.
