Pixie Clematis Clematis 'Pixie' (Fo/m)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Pixie' is a striking ornamental plant known for its lush, vibrant flowers. It showcases a profusion of blooms that are usually a rich, deep purple color with a satin-like sheen. The petals are broad and slightly overlapping, with a rounded shape that tapers to a point, creating an elegant, star-like silhouette. At the center of each bloom, a tuft of contrasting golden-yellow stamens stands out, adding to the visual appeal of the flowers. The foliage of Clematis 'Pixie' consists of mid-green leaves that are divided into leaflets with a smooth or slightly toothed edge, providing a lush backdrop for the brilliant blooms. The leaves are arranged alternately along the climbing stems, enhancing the plant's capability to twine gracefully around supports. This variety of clematis is noted for its compact growth habit. Its rambling stems are flexible, allowing the plant to climb and cover structures such as trellises, arbors, or fences; yet it maintains a neat and tidy appearance. The contrasting colors and textures of the plant's flowers and foliage make it a standout in any garden setting, offering visual interest through various seasons as it blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Pixie Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Pixie' (Fo/m).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Pixie', can be toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain protoanemonin, a compound that can cause severe irritation to the mouth, stomach lining, and intestines if eaten. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, it can also lead to dizziness, fainting, or convulsions. Handling the plant may also cause dermatitis in some individuals. Care should be taken not to ingest any parts of the plant and to wash hands after handling.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Pixie', is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The plant contains protoanemonin, which can irritate the digestive system if any part of the plant is ingested. Symptoms of clematis poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible pawing at the mouth due to irritation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to tremors, seizures, or even death if not treated promptly. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any parts of the plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if poisoning is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Pixie', commonly known as Clematis, features vibrant flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small spaces due to its compact growing habit, making it an excellent choice for containers and small garden beds.
- Versatile Planting: Can be grown in a variety of settings, including trellises, arbors, and walls, offering versatility in garden design.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy and diverse garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest throughout its blooming season, which can be spring, summer, or fall, depending on the variety.
- Easy Care: Known for being relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering, pruning, and occasional feeding for optimal growth.
- Durable: Once established, it tends to be quite hardy and can withstand a variety of weather conditions with proper care.
- Varied Color Range: Comes in a wide range of colors, allowing gardeners to choose the perfect hue to complement their landscape design.
- Improved Property Value: Landscaping with attractive plants like Clematis can enhance the overall appeal and potentially increase the value of a property.
- Cultural Significance: Clematis has various cultural meanings and can be used to symbolize mental beauty, ingenuity, and artful creativity in a garden setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural art medium, Clematis 'Pixie' can be pressed and dried to be used in botanical paper making or for creating eco-friendly greeting cards.
- Incorporated into fashion, the vines and flowers can be used as inspiration for textile patterns or as delicate additions to haute couture floral headpieces.
- The plant can be trained to grow around sculptures or garden installations to create living, evolving artworks over time.
- Clematis 'Pixie' can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth habits, pruning, and care for climbing plants.
- As part of a sensory garden, its texture and subtle scent can contribute to a therapeutic environment for individuals with sensory processing disorders.
- By attracting beneficial insects, especially bees for pollination, it can be strategically planted in vegetable gardens to improve crop yields.
- Often used in photography to add depth and interest to garden scenes or as a romantic backdrop for wedding and engagement photos.
- In culinary experiments, its petals could be used (only if confirmed non-toxic) to create unique floral garnishes or frozen into ice cubes for decorative drinks.
- When used in companion planting, it could potentially help to deter certain pests naturally due to its specific growing requirements or scent.
- Can be implemented in landscape design courses as a case study for training flexible plants to conform to different structural supports and shapes.
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 'Pixie', with its climbing nature and vigorous growth, represents the ability to adapt mentally and flexibly navigate through problems.
- Artistic Inspiration: Its intricate blooms suggest creativity and the flowering of new ideas, often connected with artistry and inspiration.
- Spiritual Ascension: As the plant reaches upwards, it symbolizes a striving for higher realms of consciousness and spiritual growth.
- Ingenuity: The resourcefulness of the Clematis in finding support to climb on is emblematic of human ingenuity and the capability to use the environment advantageously.
WaterClematis 'Pixie', commonly known as Dwarf Clematis, should be watered thoroughly to establish deep roots, especially during its first growing season. After it’s established, weekly watering is ideal, providing about 1 gallon of water per week, depending on climate conditions. During hot or dry weather, you may need to water twice a week, always checking the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. It's crucial not to overwater, as Clematis 'Pixie' is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
LightDwarf Clematis thrives in a spot that enjoys full sun to partial shade. Plant it where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but where its roots are shaded or mulched, as Clematis prefer cool root zones. Avoid placing it in locations with intense afternoon sun which may be too harsh and lead to foliage damage.
TemperatureDwarf Clematis prefers moderate temperatures and can survive a range in temperatures from about 40°F to 85°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 55°F and 75°F. Clematis 'Pixie' is frost-tolerant but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage the plant.
PruningPruning Dwarf Clematis encourages healthy growth and promotes better flowering. Prune lightly in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Clematis 'Pixie' belongs to the pruning group 3, meaning it flowers on new growth, so it can be cut back to 12 inches above the ground every winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis 'Pixie' prefers a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix can be made by combining equal parts of loam, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingClematis 'Pixie' should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Early spring is the best time for repotting to give the plant time to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Pixie' enjoys a moderate humidity level, around 50-70%. It is not particularly fussy, but avoiding excessively dry or damp air will promote better growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, and cool temps for indoor Clematis 'Pixie'.
Outdoor
Use a support structure, plant in sun to partial shade for outdoor Clematis 'Pixie'.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Pixie', commonly known as Fo/m, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates in a moist and well-drained soil. The emerging seedling slowly develops into a young plant with a few leaves, establishing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vigorous growth phase during which it produces long, climbing or trailing stems and an abundance of green foliage. Around late spring to early summer, the mature Clematis 'Pixie' starts flowering, showcasing small, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After the blooming period, the flowers develop into feathery seed heads that contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a dormant period in winter, where growth slows down or pauses until the following spring when the cycle starts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Clematis 'Pixie', commonly known as Dwarf Clematis, is typically propagated during late winter to early spring when the plant is dormant. The most popular method is layering, where a healthy, flexible stem is bent down to the ground and a portion is buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant. To encourage rooting, one can make a small nick on the underside of the stem at the point of contact with the soil and apply rooting hormone powder. The area should be kept moist, and once roots have developed, which may take a season, the new plant can be severed from the parent and transplanted to its desired location.
