Clematis Clematis Picardy = 'Evipo024' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis Picardy, commonly known as "The Picardy Clematis," is a striking ornamental plant renowned for its vibrant and showy flowers. These blooms are characterized by their rich, velvety purple hue which can appear almost magenta in certain lights. Each flower is composed of six to eight overlapping petals, which can sometimes display a faintly ruffled edge, adding to the plant's overall textured appearance. As the Picardy Clematis matures, the petals spread out to reveal a prominent central cluster of stamen, which offers a striking contrast to the deep purple petals with their lighter yellow or cream-colored anthers. This combination is particularly eye-catching, making the plant a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to a trellis or wall. The foliage of the Picardy Clematis is typically a lush green, with leaves that are composed of leaflets, each with its own smooth or slightly toothed margin. The leaves and stems can create a dense and vibrant green backdrop for the brilliant flowers, enhancing the visual impact of the blooms. This clematis variety is often treasured for its ability to provide a show of color through its blooming season, which enhances any garden setting it graces.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Clematis 'Picardy', Boulevard Picardy Clematis
Common names
Clematis Picardy = 'Evipo024' (PBR) (EL)
- Toxicity
To humans
The Clematis plant can be toxic to humans if ingested, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, it may cause mouth ulcers and internal bleeding of the digestive system. Contact with the sap may result in skin irritation or dermatitis.
To pets
Clematis is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, it can cause similar symptoms as in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe poisoning may result in ataxia or seizures. Pets might also experience skin irritation if they come into contact with the sap.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: 'Evipo024' Clematis adds visual interest to gardens with its beautiful deep purple flowers.
- Compact Growth: Ideal for smaller gardens or containers due to its compact, manageable size.
- Extended Blooming Season: Offers a long flowering period, typically from late spring to early autumn.
- Climbing Habit: Can be used to vertically accentuate spaces by growing on trellises, walls, or arbors.
- Easy to Prune: Group 3 pruning category means it can be pruned back hard at the end of winter for strong regrowth in spring.
- Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common clematis diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, apart from pruning and occasional watering.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of landscape designs, from informal cottage gardens to structured urban spaces.
- Hardiness: Capable of withstanding relatively cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Making natural dyes: The petals and leaves of Clematis varieties can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics or artists' paints.
- Insect barrier: Growing Clematis Picardy near vegetable gardens may help deter some insects with its dense foliage acting as a physical barrier.
- Garden sculpture: Dead Clematis vines can be collected and woven into shapes to create natural garden sculptures or decorative frames for potted plants.
- Craft material: The vines of Clematis Picardy can be dried and used in basket weaving or as material for home-made wreaths.
- Fashion accessory: Fresh flowers of Clematis Picardy can be used to create ornamental hairpieces or boutonnieres for special events.
- Fragrance sachets: The petals of Clematis Picardy, when dried, can be placed in small pouches to create natural fragrance sachets for drawers and closets.
- Photography: Clematis Picardy, with its striking blooms, is often used as a subject for botanical photography and art, providing a natural aesthetic.
- Biodegradable mulch: After pruning, the trimmings of Clematis Picardy can be used as a biodegradable mulch to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
- Habitat for wildlife: The thick growth of Clematis Picardy can provide nesting places and shelter for small birds and beneficial insects.
- Soil erosion control: The root system of Clematis Picardy can help stabilize soil in sloped gardens, reducing erosion from wind and rain.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Mental Agility: The Clematis is often associated with mental agility due to its intricate and climbing nature, representing the ability to think through complex problems.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its striking blooms, the Clematis can symbolize creativity and the muse for artists and creative individuals.
- Traveler's Joy: Sometimes known as the "Traveler's Joy," the Clematis can symbolize the joy and adventure found in traveling, as it climbs and explores its surroundings.
- Ingenuity: Given the plant's resourcefulness in finding structures to climb on, the Clematis represents ingenuity and the ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Personal Growth: The growth pattern of the Clematis, reaching upwards and outwards, makes it a symbol for personal growth and striving for higher goals.
- Water
Clematis require consistent moisture to thrive, so your Clematis Picardy should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to ensure it reaches the roots. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water. During particularly hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant.
- Light
The Clematis Picardy flourishes in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. To encourage the best growth and flowering, aim to provide at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, the base and roots of clematis prefer to be cool and shaded, so consider planting low-growing shrubs or placing a mulch around the base to achieve this effect.
- Temperature
The Clematis Picardy can handle a range of temperatures, from a minimum of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions are between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide protection from extreme cold, and plant in a location sheltered from harsh winds to prevent temperature fluctuations that could damage the plant.
- Pruning
Clematis Picardy should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. This variety should be pruned lightly in early spring, removing any dead or weak stems and cutting back to just above where strong buds are visible. The best time for pruning is after the blooming period, as this plant flowers on both old and new wood. Regular pruning helps to promote new growth and blooms in the following season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Clematis, commonly known as the Clematis 'Picardy', thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix combining two parts loam, one part well-rotted manure or compost, and a handful of granular fertilizer will support healthy growth and flowering.
- Repotting
Clematis 'Picardy' should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure the roots have sufficient space and nutrients. Best practice is to repot in spring before active growth begins, using a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis 'Picardy' prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels. It doesn't require high humidity if grown outdoors, and will typically adapt to the local ambient humidity present in most temperate regions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright indirect light, cool temps, and a trellis.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade/sun, provide support, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Clematis 'Picardy', after planting, begins its growth cycle by developing a strong root system. As a perennial, it enters a stage of vegetative growth where stems, leaves, and tendrils emerge and mature, allowing the plant to climb supports. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early autumn, producing deep magenta blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads with feathery plumes, which can disperse seeds for reproduction. During the dormant season, usually in winter, Clematis 'Picardy' dies back to the ground or to its woody stems, storing energy in its roots for the next growing season. With the arrival of spring, the cycle resumes as new growth sprouts from the plant's base or remaining stems.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Picardy', like many varieties of clematis, is typically propagated through layering, which is a popular method for this genus. The optimal time for this is in late winter or early spring, just before the plant begins to actively grow. To perform layering, a healthy stem is bent to the ground and a small section is scratched or wounded then covered with soil while still attached to the parent plant. This encourages the stem to form roots at the wounded site. It's often helpful to secure the stem in place with a u-shaped pin and keep the soil moist until roots have formed, which can take several months. Once a good root system is established, which can be checked by gently tugging on the stem, the new plant can then be severed from the parent and transplanted to a desired location.