Clematis Shikoo Clematis 'Shikoo' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Shikoo', widely recognized as Clematis, showcases a remarkable display that immediately captures the eyes of garden admirers. The Clematis 'Shikoo' produces large, mesmerizing flowers that possess a distinctive charm. These blooms are multi-layered, flaunting an opulent blend of violet and purple shades, a combination that creates a rich, velvety visual spectacle. The flower's petals, wide and overlapping, offer a textural delicacy with gracefully curved edges, while the plant exhibits a prominent central boss of stamens that often display a contrasting, lighter color, which adds depth and complexity to the blossom's overall appearance. The foliage of the Clematis 'Shikoo' is equally attractive, composed of glossy green leaves that provide a lush background to the showy blooms. The leaves are arranged in opposing pairs along the plant's climbing stems, and their shape is typically trifoliate, contributing to an overall picture of both vitality and elegance. The Clematis 'Shikoo', with its climbing habit, is perfectly suited for trellises, arbors, or fences, where it can gracefully drape its stems and showcase its exquisite flowers at eye level. It's a plant that brings a touch of sophistication to any setting, and its bloom period extends from late spring to early summer, with a possible second blooming later in the season, which ensures that this stunning vine can be enjoyed for many months of the year. When contemplating the Clematis 'Shikoo', one points towards its unique beauty and the enchanting atmosphere it can create. Whether twined around a garden structure or allowed to roam freely, this Clematis is a plant that promises to transform spaces with its vibrant flowers and captivating presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Shikoo Clematis, Kivistik Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Shikoo' (EL).
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis, including the variety 'Shikoo', is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. Clematis contains compounds called glycosides that can cause severe irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach if eaten. The symptoms of Clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is important to handle Clematis with care and to ensure that children do not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
The Clematis, including the variety 'Shikoo', is also toxic to pets. The plant contains irritant glycosides that can cause similar symptoms in animals as they do in humans. If ingested by pets, such as cats or dogs, Clematis can lead to signs of gastrointestinal distress, which may include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can result in more severe symptoms, such as trembling, difficulty breathing, or even collapse. It is essential to keep pets away from this plant and to seek veterinary attention immediately if there is any suspicion of ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Shikoo Clematis produces large, showy flowers with dual tones that can serve as an attractive focal point in any garden.
- Vertical Interest: It is a climbing vine that can add vertical interest to gardens, helping to utilize vertical space on structures such as trellises, arbors, and fences.
- Seasonal Color: This clematis variety offers seasonal blooms that can provide color and visual interest during its flowering period.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can act as a natural privacy screen, providing a sense of seclusion and beauty.
- Habitat Support: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Variety: Shikoo Clematis adds diversity to plant collections due to its unique flower form and coloring, enhancing the biodiversity of garden spaces.
- Easy to Train: Relatively easy to train on supports, this plant allows gardeners to shape its growth pattern to some extent.
- Long Bloom Period: It typically has a long blooming period from late spring to early autumn, offering extended enjoyment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subjects - The rich blooms of Clematis can be used as captivating subjects for photographers, providing a unique blend of color and texture for artistic compositions.
- Fabric Dyes - The petals and leaves of the clematis could potentially be used as a natural source of dye for fabrics, offering hues that range depending on the part of the plant used.
- Education - Clematis 'Shikoo' can be used in educational settings to teach about plant breeding and hybridization techniques as it is a result of specific breeding efforts.
- Floral Arrangements - Though not commonly used, the clematis can add an exotic look to floral arrangements with its intricate flowers and climbing habit, adding depth and height to bouquets.
- Garden Design - The climbing nature of Clematis can be employed in garden designs that utilize vertical space, covering trellises, arbors, and walls to create a visually lush backdrop.
- Crafting - The vines and flowers of Clematis can be used in crafting, for making wreaths or adding a natural flourish to handmade crafts.
- Insect Habitat - When planted in a garden, the Clematis can serve as a habitat and food source for beneficial insects, contributing to biodiversity.
- Seasonal Celebrations - The flowers of the Clematis plant can be used in seasonal decorations, such as for spring and summer-themed events and gatherings.
- Plant Combinations - Clematis 'Shikoo' can be used experimentally in plant combinations to create "living walls" or for pairing with other plants in container gardens for contrasting foliage and blooms.
- Bioindicator - Clematis species could potentially act as bioindicators, where their health and growth may reflect the condition of their environment and can signal soil or air quality issues.
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 is often associated with cleverness and intellectual pursuits due to its intricate and twisty vines that can climb and weave with determination, resonating with the complexity and flexibility of the mind.
- Creative Expression: Clematis 'Shikoo', with its vibrant and artful blossoms, symbolizes the beauty of artistic endeavors and the flow of creative ideas.
- Spiritual Exploration: The plant's ability to reach upwards as it grows is commonly seen as a symbol of spiritual ascension and the search for higher truths.
- Perseverance: Given its climbing nature, the Clematis represents perseverance and tenacity in overcoming obstacles and reaching for one's goals and aspirations.
- Ingeniousness: The complex structure of Clematis blooms signifies resourcefulness and the skill of navigating complex situations with ease.
WaterClematis 'Shikoo', commonly known as Clematis, benefits from consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water your Clematis with about 1 gallon of water per week, especially if rainfall is less than an inch. In the height of summer, you may need to water twice a week if experiencing particularly dry conditions. Adjust the amount slightly depending on the climate; more in hot, dry weather, and less during cool, damp periods. It's crucial to water deeply, allowing moisture to reach the roots, rather than just wetting the surface.
LightClematis 'Shikoo' flourishes in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, although some light afternoon shade can help protect it in hotter climates. The ideal spot provides morning light and filtered afternoon shade to prevent heat stress. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can hinder flower production and overall vitality.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Shikoo' does best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F and a maximum temperature around 90°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can stress the plant. Proper mulching can help to regulate soil temperature and protect the roots in extreme conditions.
PruningClematis 'Shikoo' should be pruned to encourage robust growth and improve flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring when the buds begin to swell but before active growth starts. Cut back the previous year's stems to the topmost pair of large buds, which will usually be about 6 to 9 inches above soil level. Pruning not only stimulates healthy new growth but also helps to manage the size of the plant and encourages prolific blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Shikoo', or Double Flowered Clematis, thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. A soil mix containing equal parts of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced slow-release fertilizer will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingDouble Flowered Clematis generally does not need to be repotted often; repotting occurs every 3-4 years when grown in containers, or as needed when the soil becomes exhausted or the plant outgrows its current space.
Humidity & MistingDouble Flowered Clematis prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to normal outdoor conditions. Ensure good air circulation without exposing the plant to overly dry conditions to maintain healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in large pot, provide support, bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Sunny spot, fertile soil, support for climbing, mulch base.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Shikoo', commonly known as Shikoo Clematis, begins its life as a dormant, bare-root plant or a young plant with minimal foliage when it's initially planted. Upon spring arrival, it enters a growth phase, producing a lush vine with significant leaf development and vines that seek vertical support. During late spring to early summer, Shikoo Clematis enters its flowering stage, showcasing abundant, large, double or semi-double flowers that are deep purple-blue in color. After the bloom period, the flowers are followed by attractive, plume-like seed heads, signaling a phase of reproduction as these seeds can be dispersed for new plant generation. In fall, the plant starts to go dormant, with leaves turning yellow and falling off, and growth ceasing as it prepares for winter. Each year, with proper care and pruning in late winter or early spring based on its Group 3 pruning classification, the plant will re-emerge from dormancy to repeat this cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Clematis 'Shikoo' can be propagated through softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. This is typically done in spring, when new growth is between 4 to 6 inches long and still soft and pliable. To propagate, select a healthy stem and make a cut just below a pair of leaves using a sharp, clean knife or pruners. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and insert it into a pot filled with a moist mixture of perlite and peat or a similar rooting medium. The pot should then be covered with a plastic bag or placed under a propagation dome to maintain humidity, and kept in bright, indirect light but out of direct sunlight. Roots should develop within several weeks, and once they have, the new clematis can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
