Clematis Perle d'Azur Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' (LL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' is a striking flowering vine known for its profusion of blooms. The plant features large, star-shaped flowers that boast a soft blue to violet hue, with a slightly paler bar running down the center of each petal. This delicate coloration gives the blooms a pearlescent appearance, which is where it likely gets its name, suggesting the luster of an azure pearl. The petals are slightly overlapping and have a rounded shape with elegantly pointed tips, which can give the flower a somewhat frilly look. At the center of each blossom, a tuft of contrasting creamy-yellow anthers adds a vibrant touch to the flower's overall appearance. The foliage is also an attractive aspect of this plant; the leaves are typically bright green, adding a lush backdrop for the spectacular floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Blue Clematis, Perle d'Azur Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' (LL).
ToxicityTo humans
The clematis is known to contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. These compounds can cause irritant effects on the mouth, stomach, or skin for some individuals. Symptoms of toxicity following ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, mouth ulcers may develop. It is important for gardeners to handle these plants with care, as skin contact with clematis sap can sometimes cause dermatitis. It is advisable to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested or if irritation occurs after handling the plant.
To pets
Clematis, when ingested by pets, can be toxic. The plant contains irritants known as glycosides, which, upon ingestion, can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to excessive salivation, lethargy, or even tremors. Pets showing signs of clematis poisoning should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible for appropriate treatment. Owners should ensure that their pets do not have access to this plant to prevent any potential risk of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' provides stunning visual interest with its mass of sky-blue flowers, enhancing the aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: This climber is suitable for growing over trellises, walls, arbors, and pergolas, offering a variety of landscaping options.
- Attracts Wildlife: Its blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: With a blooming season that extends from midsummer to early autumn, it provides a long-lasting display of color.
- Easy Pruning: Group 3 pruning category means it can be cut back in late winter or early spring, simplifying maintenance.
- Height and Coverage: Its ability to grow up to 10-12 feet allows it to cover large areas, making it ideal for vertical gardening and space management.
- Diverse Planting Options: It can be planted in the ground or in containers, giving gardeners flexibility in its use.
- Companion Planting: Works well when planted with other garden plants and can be used to create stunning combinations in mixed borders.
- Density: Its dense foliage can provide privacy and screening when grown on appropriate structures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from green to beige depending on the parts of the plant used and the mordant applied.
- Dried clematis flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a delicate scent and visual interest with their intricate shapes and preserved hues.
- Artists may use clematis vines as a base for creating living sculptures, guiding and shaping the plant as it grows to form unique, living art pieces in the garden.
- Clematis can serve as a teaching tool in botany classes or workshops, demonstrating climbing plant behavior and the variety of climbing mechanisms plants employ.
- Garden enthusiasts sometimes use the dried seed heads of clematis in floral arrangements, as their fluffy, whisker-like appearance adds an unusual texture to bouquets.
- As a natural form of garden art, creative landscapers might train clematis vines around frames to form green curtains or privacy screens in outdoor spaces.
- In craft projects, the woody stems of mature clematis plants can be gathered and woven into baskets, wreaths, or other decorative items.
- Photographers and painters may use clematis as a subject for their works, capturing its vibrant blooms and growth habit as a celebration of natural beauty.
- Clematis petals can be gently pressed and used in the art of flower pressing, creating bookmarks, cards, or other keepsakes that feature the plant's beauty.
- The intricate structure of the clematis seed heads can inspire designs in jewelry making, where metal or other materials are fashioned to mimic the delicate, feathery appearance of the plant's seeds.
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 and Cleverness: The intricate structure of the Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' represents complex thought and the ability to solve problems in innovative ways.
- Mental Beauty: Often the beauty of this flower is associated with the beauty of the mind, symbolizing an appreciation for intellectual pursuits.
- Spiritual Quest: Its climbing nature signifies a journey towards enlightenment or a higher state of consciousness.
- Artistic Inspiration: As a muse for many, the Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' symbolizes the inspiration that fuels creativity and the arts.
WaterClematis 'Perle d'Azur', commonly known as Clematis, requires consistent moisture, especially during the hot summer months. It's best to water the plant once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water each time to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water the Clematis twice a week. Adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall, backing off if natural precipitation provides the necessary moisture. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightClematis 'Perle d'Azur' thrives best in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day, although it can tolerate partial shade. Bright, indirect light is the ideal condition, with protection from the harsh afternoon sun during the peak summer months. The best spot for planting your Clematis is somewhere it can bask in the morning light while being shielded from intense midday rays, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureClematis 'Perle d'Azur' is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the daytime temperature stays between 59°F and 68°F. It can survive winter temperatures down to about 20°F but requires protection from severe cold snaps. During the growing season, ensure the Clematis is not exposed to temperatures over 80°F for prolonged periods, as extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningThe Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' benefits from regular pruning to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring (after the threat of frost has passed but before active growth begins), removing dead or weak stems and cutting back the remaining stems to strong buds. This type of Clematis belongs to pruning group 3, which means it blooms on the current year's growth, so annual hard pruning encourages new growth and more flowers. Pruning can be done annually to maintain plant health and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis plants, including Clematis 'Perle d'Azur', thrive best in well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix for these plants is one-third garden soil, one-third compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third gritty material like perlite or sand to enhance drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingClematis 'Perle d'Azur' generally does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It should only be repotted if the plant has outgrown its current container or if the soil has become compacted and depleted of nutrients, approximately every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Perle d'Azur' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions. However, they do not need high humidity and can do well in average outdoor humidity levels. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation if grown in a moist environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide ample sunlight; support for climbing; prune as needed.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part shade; need climbing support; mulch roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Perle d'Azur', commonly known as clematis, begins its life as a dormant plant with a root system and some initial shoots, typically resulting from a planted cutting or a young plant established in a nursery. It enters the vegetative growth stage as spring warmth encourages leaf and stem development; this is when pruning of old wood may be necessary to promote healthy new growth. During late spring to early summer, it reaches the flowering stage where it produces abundant, large, blue flowers that continue blooming into late summer. After flowering, the plant may produce feathery seed heads, marking the seed development and dispersal stage. As temperatures drop in autumn, the clematis prepares for dormancy, with visible die-back of some stems, signaling the preparation for winter. Finally, throughout the cold months, the plant remains dormant, with the cycle repeating as the weather warms.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Clematis 'Perle d'Azur', often referred to simply as Clematis, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to propagate Clematis by cuttings is during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. A semi-hardwood cutting should be taken from the current year's growth, where the base is beginning to harden but the tip is still soft. You should aim for a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long with several leaves, and you'll want to cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves to expose a couple of nodes where the roots will form. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, then plant the cutting in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged until roots have formed, which typically takes several weeks to a few months.
