Clematis Clematis 'Pendragon' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Pendragon' features a vibrant display of flowers that are known to catch the eye with their unique and striking appearance. The blossoms of this plant bloom profusely and are generally characterized by a rich, velvety purple hue, which can be so deep that it often appears nearly magenta or fuchsia in tone. Each flower is composed of multiple elongated petals that tend to overlap, creating a lush, full-looking bloom. The petals may exhibit a slight sheen and can sometimes have a lighter bar running through the middle, adding to the visual depth and complexity of the flower's coloration. The center of each bloom is typically adorned with a tuft of delicate, creamy stamens, which contrast sharply with the dark petals, drawing attention to the heart of the flower. This central boss of stamens not only adds an ornamental touch but also serves to attract pollinators to the plant. The foliage of Clematis 'Pendragon' is usually deep green and provides a contrasting backdrop that makes the flowers stand out even more. The leaves are often compound, with leaflets that are smooth and sometimes slightly glossy, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. As a climbing plant, Clematis 'Pendragon' is designed to grow upward, grasping onto supports with its leaf stalks or tendrils. This allows it to intertwine with structures like trellises, arbors, fences, or even other plants, adding vertical interest to any garden space. Seasonally, the plant is known for its ability to flower over a long period, typically starting in late spring and extending through the summer months, with some varieties possibly reblooming in the fall. The intense color and recurrent blooming make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who wish to add a pop of color and elegance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Leather Flower, Traveller's Joy
Common names
Clematis 'Pendragon'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Pendragon' variety, can be toxic when ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause irritation to the digestive tract. Symptoms of clematis poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation. Contact with the skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis. It is important to handle clematis plants with care and to prevent the ingestion of any part of the plant to avoid these adverse effects.
To pets
Clematis, such as the 'Pendragon' variety, is also toxic to pets. If ingested, pets can experience symptoms similar to humans, which include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and potential irritation of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. More severe poisoning can lead to lethargy and lack of coordination. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming any part of a clematis plant to avoid these negative health consequences.
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 Beauty: The Clematis 'Pendragon' is renowned for its stunning flowers, which add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be trained to climb trellises, arbors, and fences, or allowed to sprawl as ground cover.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant is attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides garden interest across multiple seasons with its blooms in spring or summer and its seed heads in the fall.
- Varied Color Palette: This variety of Clematis offers a range of colors, which can be matched to different garden themes and palettes.
- Easy Pruning: Group 3 pruning category means it can be cut back hard in early spring, which is simple to remember and execute.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens and spaces due to its relatively compact growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Pendragon' can be used in the art of bonsai, where its vines are trained to create miniature landscapes, offering a unique twist to this traditional Japanese art form.
- The long vines of the clematis can be woven into living fences or privacy screens, providing an aesthetic and natural boundary for gardens or outdoor spaces.
- The plant's vibrant flowers can be used as natural dye for fabrics, wool, or paper, offering a range of purples and blues based on the pH of the dye bath.
- Clematis 'Pendragon' can be incorporated into educational projects, such as teaching about pollination and the lifecycles of various insects attracted by its flowers.
- The blossoms can be used to embellish cakes and pastries as part of edible flower cuisine, though it's crucial to ensure the flowers have not been treated with pesticides and are safe for consumption.
- Photographers can utilize the flowers and the intricate structure of Clematis 'Pendragon' to practice macro photography, creating stunning close-up images.
- The climbing nature of the plant offers a natural shade solution when grown over pergolas or trellises, thus reducing the heat in seated areas beneath.
- During winter, when the plant loses its leaves, the remaining vine structure can provide an interesting visual texture to a snow-covered garden.
- Clematis vines can be used in craft projects, like making wreaths or other decorative items where their natural shape and flexibility are assets.
- The plant can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, who might mimic its floral patterns and colors in textiles, wallpaper, or other design elements.
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' ability to climb and adapt in various directions symbolizes mental flexibility and creativity.
- Spiritual Aspiration: Often used to adorn walls and trellises, the clematis represents one’s quest to reach higher understanding or consciousness.
- Artistic Inspiration: Its vibrant blooms and variety of forms symbolize the muse for artists and the flowering of creative ideas.
- Ingenuity: The clematis' complex structure and the clever way it supports itself on structures is emblematic of human ingenuity and resourcefulness.
WaterThe Clematis, commonly known as 'Pendragon', should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering should be done once a week with about one gallon of water per plant; however, during hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. It is important to water the plant at its base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases. During the fall and winter months, watering can be reduced as the plant goes into dormancy. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightClematis 'Pendragon' thrives in locations where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily; however, it prefers its roots to be cool and shaded. The ideal spot is one where the plant can get morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing 'Pendragon' in areas with intense, hot afternoon sun, which can damage the foliage and flowers.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Pendragon' prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, meaning that it can survive winter lows of about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs typically not exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing the right temperature conditions is essential for the health and flowering of 'Pendragon'.
PruningClematis 'Pendragon' benefits from pruning to promote healthy growth and robust flowering. It is in pruning Group 2, meaning light pruning is required in late winter or early spring. Prune dead or weak stems after flowering, and remove any deadhead flowers to encourage a second bloom. The best time to prune is after the main bloom in early summer, cutting back some of the top growth to shape the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Pendragon', commonly known as Clematis, is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH slightly on the alkaline side, around 7 to 7.5. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand will encourage healthy growth. Regular incorporation of organic matter can help maintain the soil's structure and fertility.
RepottingClematis typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years to replenish nutrients and prevent root crowding. The best time to repot is in late winter or early spring before the active growth season begins. Carefully lift the Clematis to minimize root disturbance and plant it at the same depth in its new container.
Humidity & MistingClematis plants prefer average to high humidity levels but are generally adaptable to outdoor ambient humidity. To encourage optimal growth, maintaining a humidity level around 50-70% is favorable, as excessively dry air can sometimes lead to problems like leaf scorch.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide Clematis with bright, indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade; provide a trellis or structure to climb.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Pendragon' begins its life cycle with seed germination, a process that occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, often in spring. Once the seed sprouts, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, and establishes a robust root system. As it matures, it transitions to the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing large, magenta-red flowers on new growth. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects such as bees, the plant produces seed heads, completing the reproductive cycle. In late autumn, the above-ground part of the perennial plant dies back, while the roots remain dormant through the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the Clematis 'Pendragon' regrows from its root system, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Pendragon', often simply referred to as clematis, can best be propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This process involves taking a cutting from a healthy clematis plant during the late spring or early summer when the stems are green and flexible. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length with several leaves. The lower part of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development and then the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the cuttings should be placed in indirect light at a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new clematis plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
