Clematis Clematis 'Prince Charles' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Prince Charles' is a flowering vine known for its profuse display of blossoms that bring a touch of elegance to any garden. The flowers, which bloom over a long period from mid to late summer, present a lavender-blue hue that can add a cool and soothing palette to the greenery. Each bloom consists of four to six petal-like structures called sepals, which are broadly elliptic and taper to a point, creating a simple yet graceful star shape that can vary in shade across different flowers. In the center of each blossom, a cluster of creamy white to pale yellow stamens forms an eye-catching contrast against the more vivid tones of the sepals. As the flowers unfurl from their initial bud form, they reveal a delicate ruffled edge that contributes further to their ornamental appeal. The foliage of 'Prince Charles' is made up of compound leaves that are bright green and glossy, contributing to the overall lush appearance of the vine. Each leaf is divided into multiple leaflets, which are oval to lance-shaped, with a toothed margin that adds texture to the vine's presence. The flowering plant climbs with the aid of tendrils that can latch onto various supports, allowing it to ascend and intertwine with other plants, fences, or trellises, enhancing vertical interest in the garden. Overall, Clematis 'Prince Charles' is cherished for its enchanting blooms and graceful growth habit, which make it a favourite among garden enthusiasts who seek to add a vertical dimension to their plantings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Prince Charles Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Prince Charles'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Prince Charles' variety, is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. Compounds in the plant can cause irritation to the digestive tract leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Skin contact with the sap may also result in dermatitis for some individuals. It is advisable to handle Clematis with care and avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent these adverse reactions.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Prince Charles' cultivar, is also toxic to pets. The plant contains irritant glycosides that can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and possible mouth ulcers if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. In severe cases, ingesting Clematis could lead to more serious complications, so it is important to keep pets away from this plant and seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pale Blue
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis 'Prince Charles' adds beauty to gardens with its pale mauve-blue flowers and can be an attractive feature when trained over trellises, arbors, or walls.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of other plants.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Due to its climbing habit, it can be used in various landscape designs, including vertical gardening, which is helpful for those with limited space.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms from mid to late summer, providing visual interest in the garden at a time when many other plants may have finished flowering.
- Companion Planting: Clematis 'Prince Charles' can be paired with other plants to create complementary plant partnerships, thereby enhancing overall garden aesthetics.
- Easy Propagation: It can be propagated through cuttings or layering, making it easy for gardeners to create more plants for different areas of their garden or to share with others.
- Cold Tolerant: It is relatively hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, which makes it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Prince Charles' can be used as a natural dye, as the petals may produce varying shades of color depending upon the mordant used.
- The crushed leaves and stems can serve as an ingredient for a natural insect repellent due to their inherent bitter constituents that insects may find unpalatable.
- The plant's long, flexible stems can be woven into small decorative items like wreaths or incorporated into basketry for artistic crafts.
- Dried clematis vines can be fashioned into rustic trellises or support structures for other plants in the garden, providing a second functional life for pruned material.
- The dramatic blooms of the Clematis 'Prince Charles' can be used as a temporary fresh garnish for platters and dishes during upscale catering events.
- Clematis petals can add an ornamental touch to homemade soaps, giving them a distinct look and gentle texture for exfoliation.
- The visual appeal of the Clematis 'Prince Charles' can be employed in photography as a natural backdrop for portrait and macro photography sessions.
- Pressed clematis flowers can serve as a botanical element in the craft of paper making, creating unique paper textures and patterns for invitations or stationery.
- When pruned, the branches of the Clematis 'Prince Charles' can be used to add structure and support in floral arrangements, thus enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
- The vibrant flowers can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture programs, helping students learn about plant development and hybridization.
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 Intelligence: Clematis, including the 'Prince Charles' variety, is often associated with cleverness and mental prowess due to its intricate and purposeful climbing nature.
- Artistry and Inspiration: As a plant with striking flowers, clematis represents creativity and the muses, suggesting it can inspire beauty in various art forms.
- Perseverance: The clematis's ability to adapt and grow in various directions also symbolizes persistence and determination in overcoming challenges.
- New Beginnings: Because clematis plants are perennial and come back each year with vigorous growth, they are frequently seen as a symbol of new opportunities and fresh starts.
- Spiritual Pursuit: With its upward growth reaching towards the sky, clematis can signify a spiritual or intellectual ascent, quest for higher thought, or enlightenment.
WaterClematis 'Prince Charles', commonly known as the Prince Charles Clematis, prefers a consistent moisture level without being waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring that you provide about 1 gallon of water each time, depending on weather conditions and soil type. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, whereas in cooler, rainy spells, watering can be reduced. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches below the surface; if the soil feels dry, it's time to water your Clematis.
LightPrince Charles Clematis thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant should get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade if located in hotter regions. Ensuring the plant has adequate light is essential for vigorous growth and optimal flowering.
TemperaturePrince Charles Clematis prefers a temperate climate and will flourish in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. It should be protected from temperatures below 32°F to avoid freezing and above 90°F, which could cause heat stress. The ideal temperature range for this clematis variety is between 65°F and 75°F for robust growth.
PruningPrune the Prince Charles Clematis to promote healthy growth, prevent overcrowding, and encourage vigorous flowering. This variety should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground. This annual pruning will help to revitalize the plant and ensure a bountiful display of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Prince Charles', commonly known as Prince Charles Clematis, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A good mixture can be made by combining two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part gritty material such as perlite or coarse sand, which ensures good drainage and aeration. Adding a layer of mulch on the soil surface can help retain moisture and maintain a consistent soil temperature.
RepottingPrince Charles Clematis, being a vigorous climber, doesn't require frequent repotting and does well when its roots are slightly restricted. Repotting every 3 to 4 years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, is sufficient. It is best to repot in the early spring before the plant begins its active growth.
Humidity & MistingPrince Charles Clematis prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions outdoors. As long as there is adequate air circulation around the plant, it can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and allow for climbing support.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny or semi-shaded place with climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Prince Charles', commonly known as Clematis, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or a small potted nursery plant. It then enters a rapid vegetative growth phase in spring when shoots emerge from the root system or from buds along stems, and the plant develops a climbing or sprawling habit. During the summer, the Clematis 'Prince Charles' produces its profuse light mauve-blue flowers which are its most distinguishable feature. After flowering, the plant may produce feathery seed heads that persist into autumn and can be used for decorative purposes. In preparation for winter, the Clematis 'Prince Charles' enters a state of dormancy, during which above-ground growth dies back, especially in colder climates. The plant relies on its root system to survive the winter and re-emerges the following spring to restart the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Prince Charles', also known as Clematis, is by softwood cuttings. This is ideally done in the spring when the plant begins to produce new growth that is still flexible. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length and cut it just below a pair of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should be planted in a pot containing a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is buried. The pot should be kept in a warm environment with indirect light and maintained damp but not waterlogged until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes several weeks.
