Jackman's Clematis Clematis 'Niobe' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Niobe' is a stunning climbing plant that is renowned for its impressive, velvety flowers. These blossoms are a deep, rich red, often with a near-black tone at the flower base, giving them a regal and dramatic appearance. The flowers are large and rounded, typically composed of six to eight broad tepals that overlap slightly and curve gracefully outward, creating a striking display. At the center of each bloom, there's a prominent tuft of creamy yellow stamens, which contrast beautifully against the dark petals. The foliage of the Clematis 'Niobe' is also quite attractive, consisting of medium to dark green leaves that provide a lush background for the sumptuous flowers. The leaves are divided into leaflets that are oval to lance-shaped, each with a smooth or slightly toothed edge that adds texture to the plant's overall look. Glossy when young, the leaves mature to a more matte finish but remain an elegant support for the vibrant blooms. The Clematis 'Niobe' flowers from late spring to early fall, providing a prolonged period of visual interest throughout the growing season. As the blossoms age, they fade to a lighter shade of red, giving the plant a varied and dynamic palette. This climber is often seen adorning trellises, walls, or fences, where it can show off its full floral glory to the admiration of onlookers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Niobe Clematis, Red Clematis, Velvet Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Niobe' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, specifically the 'Niobe' variety, can be toxic to humans if any part of the plant is ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause irritations to the mouth and digestive system. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to internal bleeding or formation of ulcers. If someone consumes a part of the clematis plant and exhibits symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Niobe' variety, is also poisonous to pets, such as dogs and cats, when ingested. The plant contains irritants that can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially nervous system effects. If a pet ingests clematis and starts showing any adverse symptoms, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Niobe' adds a striking visual element to gardens with its velvety, deep red flowers complemented by contrasting yellow stamens.
- Versatility: This clematis can be grown on trellises, fences, walls, or through shrubs, providing flexibility in landscape design.
- Long Blooming: Clematis 'Niobe' has a prolonged flowering season, typically from late spring to early autumn, offering sustained beauty.
- Pruning Group: As a Group 2 clematis, 'Niobe' offers a balance between maintenance and flowering since it flowers on both old and new wood.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright blooms attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Climbing Habit: Its tendency to climb and spread allows it to cover unattractive structures, creating a more appealing garden space.
- Color Contrast: The deep red flowers provide an excellent backdrop for lighter plants or can be used to create striking color contrasts in plant arrangements.
- Improved Property Value: Well-maintained ornamental plants like Clematis 'Niobe' can contribute to an increase in property aesthetic and overall value.
- Year-Round Interest: Although renowned for its flowers, the plant's foliage and seed heads also add interest outside the blooming season.
- Compact Growth: Its relatively compact growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or containers where space is limited.
- Cultivar Prestige: 'Niobe' is a celebrated cultivar that has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, indicating its reliable performance in gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Create natural dyes: The deep red flowers of Clematis 'Niobe' can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring textiles or crafting inks.
- Photography prop: The striking appearance of the Clematis 'Niobe' makes it an excellent subject or backdrop for photographers, particularly in macro photography.
- Educational resource: This plant can be utilized in botanical studies and gardening workshops to illustrate training and care techniques for vining plants.
- Aromatherapy: Although not commonly used for this purpose, the subtle fragrance of Clematis 'Niobe' can contribute to a calming garden environment suitable for relaxation.
- Artistic inspiration: The vines and flowers can inspire artists and students to create botanical drawings, paintings, or even fashion designs.
- Culinary garnish: While not commonly eaten, its vibrant flowers could be used as an organic garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations, assuming they're free of pesticides and considered safe for this use.
- Homemade potpourri: The dried petals of the plant can be included in homemade potpourri mixes to add color and a faint fragrance to a room.
- Fairy gardens: Clematis 'Niobe', with its enchanting flowers and climbing habit, can be a whimsical addition to miniature fairy garden designs.
- Structural support for other plants: The robust growth habit of Clematis 'Niobe' can be used to support lighter, more delicate plants that benefit from growing alongside a stronger framework.
- Composting ingredient: Pruned stems and leaves of the Clematis 'Niobe' can be added to compost bins as a green material to help create rich humus for garden soil amendment.
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 - Clematis 'Niobe' is known for its ability to adapt and grow in various conditions, symbolizing human resourcefulness and innovation.
- Mental Beauty - This plant is often associated with the beauty of the mind due to its intricate and mesmerizing flowers, representing intelligence and thoughtfulness.
- Spiritual Quest - The upward growth of the clematis can signify a spiritual or personal journey, as it climbs towards the heavens seeking light.
- Artistic Inspiration - With its rich, velvety blooms, clematis 'Niobe' is often linked to the muse of artists, symbolizing creativity and aesthetic inspiration.
WaterThe Clematis 'Niobe', commonly known as the Niobe clematis, needs consistent moisture, especially during hot summer months. It's important to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may translate to about 1 gallon of water per plant every week, depending on weather conditions. During particularly dry or hot spells, the frequency may increase to twice a week. It is best to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage and flowers dry, thereby preventing potential fungal diseases. Overhead watering should be avoided, and instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for the most effective watering.
LightThe Niobe clematis flourishes best in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, but it can tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. Planting it in a spot where the roots are shaded but the vines can grow into the sun can produce an ideal environment.
TemperatureThe Niobe clematis is hardy and can endure temperatures down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers to grow in an environment where the temperature remains between 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It's essential to protect the plant from extreme heat and ensure that the root zone stays cooler than the air temperature.
PruningPruning Niobe clematis encourages vigorous growth and flowering. This plant falls into pruning Group 2, which means it flowers on old and new wood. Lightly prune in early spring to remove any dead or weak stems, and then after the initial bloom, cut back by about a third to promote a second flush of flowers. The best time to perform major pruning is after the blooming season ends.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Jackman Clematis thrives best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix for this clematis would be one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingJackman Clematis doesn't require frequent repotting; it should be done every 3 to 4 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Early spring is the ideal time for repotting this clematis.
Humidity & MistingJackman Clematis prefers a moderate level of humidity but is quite adaptable. It doesn't require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in its hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool roots, and trailing support.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade, ensure moist soil, and provide climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Niobe' starts its life as a seed, which germinates in the soil when conditions are favorable, often requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing a root system and foliage in its juvenile growth stage, during which it focuses on accumulating resources and growing vegetatively. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth stage characterized by the development of long, climbing vines and leaves. In the reproductive stage, Clematis 'Niobe' produces large, velvety, deep ruby-red flowers from late spring to early fall, which are then followed by the formation of seed heads if pollination occurs. After flowering, the plant goes into a period of senescence in preparation for winter dormancy, with its top growth dying back while the root system remains alive underground. Each year in the perennial cycle, 'Niobe' re-emerges from its rootstock in spring to repeat the growth, flowering, and dormancy phases.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring to Summer
Clematis 'Niobe', commonly known as the Clematis vine, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, a method that is popular due to its moderate ease and effectiveness. This technique is usually performed in summer, when the vine's new growth has started to mature and harden slightly. To propagate, one would select a healthy stem with several nodes, snip a 4 to 6-inch-long (about 10 to 15 cm) cutting just below a node, and remove the leaves from the lower half. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one node is buried where roots and possibly additional shoots will form. After planting, the cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have established, which can take several weeks.
