Sweet Autumn Clematis Clematis 'Scented Clem' (PBR) (Vt)
ABOUT
Scented Clem is a plant that exhibits a blend of ornamental and fragrant qualities. This plant is renowned for its beautiful flowers which are the main attraction. The blossoms of the Scented Clem are notable for their delicate appearance, often consisting of a series of petal-like sepals that can range from plush, deep purples to softer shades of mauve. Occasionally, the flowers may also feature a lighter, almost cream or pinkish hue toward the center, which may become more intensely colored at the tips of the tepals. The center of each flower is a focal point, featuring a tuft of stamen-like structures which contrast against the petals. These stamen-like structures can be creamy yellow to greenish in color, providing a striking counterpoint to the more vivid color of the sepals. This creates a starburst effect that is particularly eye-catching when the plant is in full bloom. Adding to the visual appeal, the flowers are often abundant and seem to decorate the plant generously. The foliage of Scented Clem provides a lush backdrop to the showy flowers. Typically, the leaves are deep green, somewhat leathery in texture, and can appear glossy. They are often arranged in opposing pairs along the stems, providing a dense and verdant coverage that complements the floral display. Once the flowers have finished their display, some varieties of Scented Clem may produce ornamental seed heads that extend the visual interest of the plant further into the season. These seed heads can be feathery or plume-like and add a different texture to the garden as they catch the light or move in the breeze. Overall, Scented Clem is valued for its aesthetic contribution to any garden, adorning arbors, trellises, or walls with its graceful flowers and lush, green foliage. It is a charming addition that can bring a touch of romance and fragrance to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Fragrant Virgin's Bower
Common names
Clematis 'Scented Clem' (PBR) (Vt)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Scented Clem', is known to contain irritant glycosides that can cause toxicity if ingested. These glycosides are present in all parts of the plant. If a person consumes parts of the clematis, they might experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Contact with the sap can result in skin irritation, redness, and burning sensation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to internal complications such as bleeding in the digestive system. It is advisable for humans to avoid ingesting any part of the clematis plant.
To pets
Similar to their effects in humans, Clematis, including the 'Scented Clem', can be toxic to pets. It contains glycosides which can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, tremors if ingested. External contact with the plant may also lead to skin irritation. It is crucial to prevent pets from ingesting any parts of the clematis and to seek veterinary assistance immediately if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Scented Clem' adds aesthetic beauty to gardens with its vibrant flowers and decorative vines.
- Fragrance: As its name suggests, this variety has a pleasing scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
- Vertical Gardening: Its climbing nature is ideal for adding a vertical element to gardens, making it a great space-saver.
- Seasonal Color: Offers seasonal blooms which can provide color and interest throughout its flowering period.
- Versatility: Suitable for growing in borders, containers, or over structures such as pergolas and arches.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and relatively low maintenance, making it accessible for many gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting – The vines of Clematis can be used in the creation of natural weaves, wreaths, or other craft items for a rustic appearance.
- Educational – Clematis can be utilized in botany and horticulture classes to teach plant propagation techniques, since many varieties can be propagated from cuttings.
- Insectary Plant use – Clematis can serve as a host plant for certain butterfly species, offering a food source for their larvae.
- Photography – With beautiful blooms, Clematis can be an excellent subject for botanical photographers or as a backdrop in portrait photography.
- Privacy Screening – When grown on trellises, Clematis can offer a living screen to provide privacy in gardens or on patios.
- Shade Creation – Mature, thickly grown Clematis can provide shade when trained over a pergola or a gazebo.
- Soil Erosion Control – The root system of Clematis can help to prevent soil erosion in certain garden situations, when planted on slopes or banks.
- Theater and Set Design – Clematis can be employed in stage designs or film sets to create realistic garden scenes or to enhance the natural aesthetic.
- Structural Garden Design – Clematis plants can be used to add vertical interest to gardens, drawing the eye upward to expand a garden's sense of space.
- Fragrance Layering – Due to its scented properties, Clematis can be included in garden plans to layer different scents and create a more immersive sensory experience.
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: Clematis symbolizes cleverness and intellectual pursuits due to its complex structure and winding growth habit, representative of the way thoughts can twist and turn.
- Ingeniousness: This plant can also represent inventive or original thought, as it climbs and adapts to its surroundings in innovative ways.
- Artistic Inspiration: Clematis often inspires creativity, symbolizing the blossoming of new ideas and expressions, much like how its flowers blossom beautifully.
- Aspiration: With its tendency to reach and climb towards the sky, clematis is often seen as a symbol for striving to achieve higher goals or spiritual aspirations.
- Traveler's Joy: Sometimes known as "Traveler's Joy," clematis can represent the joy and anticipation of embarking on new journeys, whether they are physical travels or life paths.
WaterThe Clematis 'Scented Clem' should be watered deeply once a week to ensure the soil is moist, but it's important not to let it remain soggy. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, increase watering to twice a week using about a gallon of water each time for established plants. During the growing season, the top inch of soil should be kept slightly damp. Make sure the plant has good drainage to prevent root rot. In the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
LightThe Clematis 'Scented Clem' prefers a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Ideally, its roots should be shaded while the foliage and flowers are in the sun. This vine thrives best in a spot that gets morning sunlight and partial shade in the heat of the afternoon.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Scented Clem' can survive winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives in temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Avoid planting it in locations where temperatures may exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Clematis 'Scented Clem' annually to promote robust growth and enhance flowering. This late-flowering clematis should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 6 to 9 inches above the ground. Pruning helps maintain a tidy structure and encourages healthy new shoots that will produce flowers in the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis prefers well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH close to neutral (6.5-7.0). A good soil mix might include loamy garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and a handful of granular fertilizer. Mulching around the base with organic material helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
RepottingThe Clematis should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingClematis does well in average garden conditions without the need for specific humidity levels, but it does appreciate a spot where it isn't too dry. Avoid overly humid conditions which can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, shelter roots with mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Scented Clem', commonly known as simply Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in spring under cover or in a cold frame. Upon germination, it develops a root system and foliage as it enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing fragrant, showy flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the Clematis sets seed in the form of achenes with silky appendages, which can be dispersed by wind or animals. The perennial nature of the Clematis means that after flowering, it enters a period of dormancy during colder months. In the subsequent growing season, the plant resumes growth from its crown, perpetuating its life cycle through additional periods of vegetative growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Clematis 'Scented Clem', commonly known as a variety of Clematis, is a plant that can be propagated through several methods, but one of the more popular methods is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves cutting a section of the plant's stem that has matured but is not fully hardened, usually during the summer months. The cutting, typically about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), should have at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a potting mix, ensuring that the area where the leaves were removed is buried. The pot should be kept in a warm spot with indirect light and maintained with consistent moisture until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be gradually hardened off before planting it in its permanent location.
