Clematis Clematis 'Södertälje' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Södertälje' is a type of flowering vine commonly known as Clematis. It's a deciduous plant, meaning it sheds its leaves annually. The Clematis 'Södertälje' features vibrant flowers that often possess a strikingly large size with multiple layers of petals that can come in a variety of colors, ranging from deep purples to bright pinks and sometimes even whites or blues. The blooms boast a prominent central structure composed of a tuft of stamen and pistils, which adds to their ornate look. The leaves of Clematis 'Södertälje' are typically green and can vary in shape, often being pinnate with a leaflet on either side of a central stem. The edges of these leaves might be smooth or slightly toothed. The vine itself is known for its climbing habit, using tendrils to latch onto nearby supports, which can include trellises, fences, or other plants. The overall form of Clematis 'Södertälje' tends towards a lush, full-bodied appearance when in full leaf and bloom, creating a canopy of foliage and vibrant flowers that attract various pollinators. Despite the omission of the exact size dimensions, it's understood that, like other Clematis varieties, Clematis 'Södertälje' can become a substantial presence in any garden or landscape where it is given room to grow.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Virgin's Bower, Leather Flower, Vasevine, Old Man's Beard
Common names
Clematis 'Södertälje' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Södertälje', can be toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain compounds known as protoanemonins, which are released when the plant tissues are bruised or crushed. If ingested, clematis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, it might also result in mouth ulcers and skin irritation upon contact. It is advised to be cautious and avoid consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
Clematis, also for the variety 'Södertälje', is toxic to pets. Similar to its effects in humans, all parts of the plant contain irritating glycosides that can be harmful when ingested by animals. Symptoms of clematis poisoning in pets include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth and throat irritation. In some cases, ingesting clematis can lead to more severe gastrointestinal upset or other complications, so pet owners should keep the plant out of reach and seek veterinary attention if their pet shows signs of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetic: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Vertical Gardening: Ideal for vertical gardening, allowing gardeners with limited space to add greenery.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a change in the garden landscape throughout the seasons with its changing foliage and flowering times.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create a natural privacy screen on trellises or fences.
- Shade Provider: Its foliage can provide shade and coolness in garden seating areas or patios.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for a variety of garden styles and can be trained on various structures.
- Easy to Prune: Responds well to pruning, making it easy to maintain and control growth.
- Improved Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds within the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Södertälje' can be used in crafting by incorporating its dried vines and flowers into wreaths and wall decorations, providing a natural and rustic appeal.
- The clematis plant is sometimes used in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth and vine training techniques to students studying botany or horticulture.
- In photography and painting, the vivid flowers of the clematis can serve as a captivating subject or as a vibrant backdrop to complement other subjects.
- Clematis, with its climbing nature, can be grown in small spaces such as balconies or terraces, where it provides vertical greening without taking up much horizontal space.
- As part of therapeutic gardening, people cultivate clematis to promote relaxation, stress relief, and a sense of achievement through gardening activities.
- The plant can play a role in ecological gardening practices by providing shelter and nesting sites for certain species of birds and beneficial insects.
- Dried petals of the clematis can be used to create natural confetti for celebrations, being both biodegradable and gentler on the environment than synthetic alternatives.
- For culinary experimentation, while the clematis itself is not edible, its blossoms can be used as a natural garnish for plating, adding color and interest to dishes.
- Clematis can be used as a privacy screen on patios or in gardens when trained to grow on trellises, offering a living barrier that’s decorative as well as functional.
- During certain festivals or community events, live clematis plants are sometimes included as part of thematic displays or floral arrangements to create an atmosphere or convey a message.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis is often used in Feng Shui as a tool for bringing positive energy and prosperity into a home, mainly due to its beautiful and vibrant flowers which can enhance Chi flow, especially when placed in the east for health or southeast for wealth and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity and Cleverness: Clematis plants, also known as "Traveler's Joy," often symbolize clever thinking due to their ability to ingeniously climb and wrap around structures with their tendrils.
- Mental Beauty: With their intricate and visually stunning flowers, clematis plants are associated with the beauty of the mind and intellect, as well as physical attractiveness.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plants' variety of forms and colors can represent creativity and the muses of art, making it a symbol for those seeking inspiration in their creative endeavors.
WaterClematis, commonly called virgin's bower, should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Generally, watering once a week with about one gallon of water per plant is sufficient, but this can vary based on climate conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. It's important to water deeply and directly at the base to encourage root growth and avoid overhead watering, which can promote foliar diseases. Avoid over-watering as clematis does not tolerate waterlogged soil which can lead to root rot.
LightClematis thrives in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day, but the roots prefer to stay cool and shaded. A common practice is to plant it in a spot with sun on the foliage but shaded roots, either by other low-growing plants or a mulch layer to maintain ideal growing conditions. Avoid placing it in full shade as this will reduce flowering.
TemperatureClematis prefer a moderate temperature range and can generally survive winter chill down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they thrive in temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can be stressful, so provide some afternoon shade in areas where temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit regularly.
PruningPrune clematis to promote strong growth, enhance flowering, and maintain a desirable shape. The best time for pruning depends on the flowering group of the clematis; for many varieties, prune lightly after the blooming period, removing dead or weak stems. Some clematis varieties benefit from more substantial pruning in early spring to stimulate new growth, which will flower in the same year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis, commonly known as traveler's joy, is a well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level (around 7.0 to 7.5). Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to increase its nutrient content and improve texture.
RepottingClematis plants, commonly known as traveler's joy, typically don't need to be repotted often. They prefer to be left undisturbed and can be repotted every 3 to 4 years, or when the plant shows signs of being pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingClematis, referred to as traveler's joy, thrive best in outdoor conditions where the humidity is natural and does not require specific humidity levels to grow well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure a bright spot and support for the vines to climb.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with roots shaded and moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Södertälje', commonly known as Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates and develops a root system and shoots. It progresses to a juvenile stage, characterized by rapid vegetative growth, producing stems and leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring or early summer, producing showy, often colorful blooms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, containing seeds that reach maturity by late summer or early autumn. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with deciduous varieties losing their leaves. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the cycle begins anew with fresh growth emerging from the perennial woody stems and roots.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Södertälje', commonly known as Virgin's Bower, is a vine that can be propagated by several methods, but the most popular method is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is typically undertaken in the summer when the vine’s growth is semi-ripe; that's the stage between new, green growth and fully matured, woody growth. To propagate by cuttings, a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) section of the vine is cut just below a leaf node, with several sets of leaves left at the top. The bottom portion of the cutting is then stripped of leaves and dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. It's then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until the roots are established, which can be checked by gentle tugging on the cutting to feel for resistance. The cutting should be placed in a warm area but out of direct sunlight to reduce stress and prevent wilting during the rooting phase. Once established, the new Clematis plants can eventually be transplanted into their final location in the garden.
