Clematis Clematis 'Royal Velours' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Royal Velours' is an ornamental plant known for its striking flowers. The blooms of this clematis variety are particularly eye-catching, with a rich velvety texture that is almost plush to the touch. They typically exhibit a deep, vibrant purple color which can appear almost black in certain lighting conditions, giving the plant a regal and luxurious appearance. Each flower is composed of several pointed petals that overlap slightly, creating an elegant star-shaped design. The flower's center is accented with a cluster of pale yellow stamens, contrasting beautifully against the dark petals and adding an extra layer of visual interest. The foliage of Clematis 'Royal Velours' is also notable, consisting of bright green leaves that provide the perfect backdrop to its dramatic flowers. The leaves are compound, with each leaflet having a smooth, clean edge, and they are arranged alternately along the climbing stems. Clematis 'Royal Velours' exhibits a vining habit, which means it grows by climbing up structures or other plants. It uses its leaf stems, which wrap around objects to support its upward growth. This climbing tendency makes it a popular choice for trellises, fences, and arbors, where it adds vertical interest to gardens and landscapes. The plant has a tendency to flower prolifically from late spring to early fall, creating a long-lasting display of color in the garden. It is considered relatively easy to care for, requiring well-drained soil, adequate moisture, and plenty of sunlight to thrive and produce its signature blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Velvet Clematis, Clematis 'Royal Velours'
Common names
Clematis 'Royal Velours' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Royal Velours' variety, is considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as mouth irritation, digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, skin contact with the sap may lead to skin irritations or dermatitis. It is advisable to handle clematis with care and ensure that children are taught not to ingest any parts of the plant.
To pets
Clematis plants are also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests clematis, they may experience symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly even mouth sores from the irritant compounds in the plant. It's important to prevent pets from chewing on clematis to avoid these adverse health reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Burgundy
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value - Clematis 'Royal Velours' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its deep velvety purple flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators - The blooms attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies essential for pollination.
- Versatile Climber - This clematis variety can climb up trellises, walls, and fences, making it versatile for landscape design.
- Screening - It can provide natural privacy screening when grown on structures.
- Seasonal Interest - With a blooming period from mid-summer to early autumn, it offers a prolonged display of color.
- Easy Pruning - Being in Pruning Group 3, it is easy to care for with late winter or early spring pruning.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Royal Velours' can be used as a natural dye source, particularly the deep purple flowers, which can impart unique hues to fabrics and yarns.
- In crafting, the dried vines of Clematis can be woven or braided into decorative wreaths, baskets, and other rustic home decors.
- The plant's striking flowers can be used for ornamental purposes in pressed flower art, holding their color well when dried.
- Photographers and painters might utilize Clematis 'Royal Velours' as a vivid subject for artistic works given its vibrant coloring and texture.
- Garden designers can employ this Clematis variety in vertical gardening, as it is an excellent climber and can beautify walls and fences.
- In culinary arts, while not common, the petals (after ensuring they are safe and pesticide-free) could potentially be used as an edible garnish for desserts and salads for a touch of elegance.
- During festivals or events, the plant can serve as a natural decoration or centerpiece when in full bloom, adding vibrancy to settings.
- The intricate vines and flowers can serve as inspiration for jewelry designs, specifically in wire wrapping and metalworking where natural forms are replicated.
- For educational purposes, Clematis 'Royal Velours' can be a specimen plant in horticultural studies or botanical demonstrations concerning vine growth patterns and pruning techniques.
- The plant could be used as a natural privacy screen when grown on trellises or arbors in personal or community garden spaces.
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 climbing nature of Clematis suggests upward movement and flexibility, making it a symbol of the ability to adapt and think creatively.
- Ingenuity: With its intricate petal structure and velvety texture, this variety of Clematis, in particular, represents resourcefulness and cleverness.
- Artistic Inspiration: The 'Royal Velours' variety, with its rich, deep color, evokes a sense of creativity and is often seen as an inspiration to artists and creators.
- Aspiration and Determination: As Clematis vines reach for the sun, they embody the qualities of ambition and the drive to succeed.
WaterClematis, commonly known as the Clematis 'Royal Velours', prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, allowing for about 1 gallon of water to soak into the soil around the roots. During hot summer months or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Reduce watering in the fall and further during winter to prevent waterlogging as the plant enters dormancy. It's crucial not to let the soil dry out completely but also to avoid over-watering that can lead to root rot.
LightClematis 'Royal Velours' thrives in a location with full to partial sunlight, receiving around 6 hours of direct light daily. The best spot for planting is where the roots are shaded while the foliage and flowers can bask in the sun. Planting at the base of a shrub or placing a mulch over the root zone to provide shade can achieve this balance.
TemperatureClematis 'Royal Velours' does well in a range of temperature conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30°F and summer temperatures as high as 90°F, but it thrives best when the weather remains between 55°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Royal Velours' is essential to promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting it back to about 12 inches from the ground. This variety is a Group 3 clematis, which means it flowers on new wood, so hard pruning encourages a robust flush of new stems and blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Royal Velours', also known simply as Clematis, prefers a well-draining soil with a good mixture of garden loam, peat or compost, and sharp sand to facilitate drainage. The best soil pH for Clematis is slightly alkaline to neutral, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. Mulching with organic matter helps maintain soil moisture and temperature while providing nutrients as it breaks down.
RepottingClematis 'Royal Velours' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, it should be repotted every 2-3 years in spring, before the active growth phase, once it has outgrown its current pot or the soil has become depleted.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Royal Velours' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. Outdoor garden plants rely on natural humidity, and the plant thrives when the atmospheric conditions fluctuate normally with the weather without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light, cool base, support for climbing, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, provide climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Royal Velours' begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in the spring, sending up shoots that will develop into vines. As it enters the vegetative stage, the vine grows rapidly, producing long, trailing stems with bright green, compound leaves. During the flowering stage, which occurs in the summer, the plant produces deep velvety crimson flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the Clematis 'Royal Velours' produces fruits, which are fluffy, plumed structures containing seeds, that mature by autumn and are dispersed by the wind. The plant becomes dormant during the colder months, with the above-ground parts dying back, and relies on its root system to survive the winter. The next spring, the plant re-emerges from the same roots, continuing the cycle with new growth and eventually more flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Royal Velours', a type of clematis vine, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically carried out in spring when the plant's growth is vigorous and the stems are flexible but not fully mature. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in indirect light until roots develop, which may take several weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transferred to individual pots to grow on before being planted out in the garden.
