Clematis Clematis 'Pagoda' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Pagoda' is a visually striking vine known for its stunning blossoms. The flowers are its most remarkable feature, with each bloom displaying an impressive show. They are shaped like large, open stars and are composed of sepals that are often mistaken for petals. These sepals are velvety in texture and boast a rich, deep color palette that may include purples, blues, or a blend of shades, sometimes with a contrasting bar down the center. In the center of each flower, there's often a tuft of wispy stamens, which adds an extra dimension to the blossom's appearance. These stamens typically have a lighter color, sometimes creamy or yellowish, creating an attractive contrast against the deeper hues of the sepals. The foliage of Clematis 'Pagoda' is equally beautiful, with leaves that are lush and green. These leaves are typically compound, meaning each leaf structure is made up of several smaller leaflets. The leaflets are arranged in an opposing fashion along the vine's stem, providing a backdrop that frames the flowers and enhances their visual appeal. This clematis variety weaves its way up supports, trellises, or fences, with tendrils that help it climb. As it grows, it can create a dense curtain of leaves and blossoms, which can be particularly effective when used as a decorative garden feature to cover walls or other vertical structures. Overall, Clematis 'Pagoda' is admired for its decorative flowers and ability to add vertical interest to any garden space, contributing a splash of rich color and a sense of elegance wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Pagoda Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Pagoda' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Pagoda', can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as protoanemonin, which can cause irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth, along with salivation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to internal bleeding of the digestive tract and convulsions. Skin contact with the plant sap may also lead to dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety 'Pagoda', is also toxic to pets. It can cause similar symptoms in animals as it does in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and a potential for ulcers in the digestive system. In some cases, more severe symptoms such as tremors and seizures could occur. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Clematis 'Pagoda' is known for its attractive, star-shaped flowers that can add beauty and interest to any garden.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in various garden settings, such as climbing up trellises, walls, or fences, which can enhance the vertical aspect of garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: With its blooming cycle, the Clematis 'Pagoda' can provide color and visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can create a natural privacy screen, adding a sense of seclusion to an outdoor space.
- Shade and Cooling: When planted in the appropriate location, it can offer shade, possibly reducing local ambient temperatures and providing a cooler area in gardens.
- Boundary Definition: Clematis 'Pagoda' can be used to demarcate spaces within a garden, playing a role in the overall landscaping design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The stems of Clematis can be used in basket weaving due to their flexible nature, creating intricate and unique patterns.
- Clematis flowers can be used as natural confetti for eco-friendly celebrations such as weddings, given their vibrant colors and biodegradability.
- The larger leaves of Clematis can serve as a natural wrapping material for small gifts or as decoration in scrapbooking and other paper crafts.
- When dried, Clematis blooms can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a subtle fragrance and variety to the blend.
- The vine-like growth habit makes Clematis an excellent tool for garden art, allowing gardeners to train the plant around sculptures and frames.
- Dried Clematis vines can be shaped into natural wreaths or other forms of wall art, adding a rustic touch to decor.
- The fresh blooms of Clematis can be pressed and used in making handmade paper, contributing to its texture and aesthetic appeal.
- The sap from Clematis stems can be used as a temporary marking agent in garden layouts or fabric designs due to its natural colorant properties.
- Clematis can be used as a living screen or privacy fence when grown on trellises or arbors, helping to create secluded areas in outdoor spaces.
- In photography, Clematis flowers and vines can be used as natural props or backdrops to enhance the beauty of the subject matter, particularly in close-up or macro photography.
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: The Clematis is known for its ability to climb and adapt to its environment, which symbolizes mental agility and the ability to think on one's feet.
- Creativity: With its showy flowers and variety of forms, the Clematis represents creativity and artistic inspiration.
- Ingenuity: As a plant that can find many ways to support itself and grow, the Clematis symbolizes ingenuity and innovative thinking.
- Spiritual Exploration: Some cultures believe the Clematis represents a quest for higher understanding and spiritual exploration, perhaps due to its upward growth.
- Beauty in All Forms: The diverse appearances of Clematis blooms throughout its many species symbolize the beauty that exists in all forms and beings.
WaterClematis 'Pagoda', commonly known as Traveller's Joy, should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In the growing season, this often translates to about once a week, depending on weather conditions. The actual frequency can vary; during hot, dry periods you may need to water more often, and less during cooler, rainy spells. When you do water, aim for about 1 gallon of water per plant to ensure deep soil penetration, which promotes healthy root development. It's best to water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and to help prevent disease.
LightTraveller's Joy thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, plant it where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight a day, but also where it can be sheltered from the hottest midday sun. An eastern or northern facing spot that gets morning light and afternoon shade is often ideal.
TemperatureThe best temperature for Traveller's Joy ranges from about 50°F to around 75°F for optimal growth. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to around -20°F and maximum temperatures up to about 95°F. To promote healthy growth, try to maintain an environment within this ideal temperature range, avoiding extremes that might stress the plant.
PruningFor Traveller's Joy, pruning helps maintain its size, stimulate healthy new growth, and improve airflow, which reduces the risk of diseases. This plant is in pruning group 2, which means it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before active growth begins, to remove dead or weak stems. You can prune again right after the early summer blooming period ends to shape the plant and encourage a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis 'Pagoda' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or a granular slow-release fertilizer provides ideal nutrition. Additionally, a layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingThe Clematis 'Pagoda', typically grown outdoors, does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years to replenish soil and allow for root growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Pagoda' performs well at average outdoor humidity levels; excessive humidity isn't necessary. It prefers a well-aerated environment where foliage can dry quickly to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large pot, bright indirect light, and keep moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade and mulch around the base.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Pagoda' (Vitalba), commonly known as Old Man's Beard, begins its life as a seed, which after dispersal germinates in suitable conditions of soil and light. The seedling emerges with primary leaves and establishes a root system. As it matures into a vegetative state, it grows long, climbing vines with compound leaves, and during this period, it develops a strong stem to support its climbing habit. The plant then enters the reproductive stage, blooming in the summer with small white, fragrant flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers produce feathery, plumed seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The plant can also spread vegetatively by layering, where stems in contact with moist soil can develop roots and grow into new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Pagoda', commonly known as the Hybrid Clematis, is by softwood cuttings. This technique is typically undertaken during the late spring when the plant's new growth is just maturing and semi-ripe. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener takes a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) portion of stem from the current year’s growth and makes a cut just below a pair of leaves. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a sterile potting mix. It should be kept under high humidity, for example, by covering with a plastic bag or placing in a greenhouse, and in indirect light until roots have formed. Once established, the new Clematis 'Pagoda' can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
