Snow Queen Clematis Clematis 'Snow Queen' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Snow Queen' is a stunning perennial vine known for its showy and large, star-shaped flowers. The blooms are a crisp, pure white with a regal appearance, often presenting a velvety texture that is a delight in the garden. In the center of each blossom, there are prominent, creamy-yellow stamens that stand out against the white petals, providing a burst of color and visual interest. The leaves of the Clematis 'Snow Queen' are green and have a shiny, leathery texture, which provides a lovely backdrop for the dazzling flowers. Each leaf is divided into multiple leaflets, which can have a lance-shaped or broadly ovate form, adding to the plant's overall lush appearance. The foliage creates a dense screen when the plant is in full growth, making it an excellent choice for adding privacy or covering up less attractive structures when allowed to climb. The vine of the 'Snow Queen' is well-regarded for its twining and climbing habit, easily wrapping around trellises, arbors, fences, or other supports that it's provided. The overall appearance is one of elegance and vibrancy, making this Clematis a cherished addition to any garden where it can be allowed to showcase its full floral splendor.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Snow Queen Clematis, Queen of the Climbers
Common names
Clematis 'Snow Queen' (EL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Snow Queen' variety, can be toxic if ingested, and its sap may irritate the skin and mucous membranes. In humans, symptoms of clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Contact with the skin may cause redness, itching, or a rash. It's important to handle this plant with care and to avoid ingesting it.
To pets
Clematis plants are also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests clematis, they may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Pets may also suffer from mouth and gastrointestinal irritation. Pet owners should prevent animals from having access to clematis plants, and seek veterinary care immediately if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of a clematis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Boasts large, white flowers that can enhance the visual aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds interest to the garden in spring and early summer when the flowers are in bloom.
- Vertical Accents: Ideal for creating vertical elements in gardens by climbing up trellises, fences, and other structures.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Flowers can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, thus supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Provision: When grown on pergolas or arches, it can provide welcome shade in sunny garden spots.
- Space Efficient: Its climbing habit makes it suitable for gardens with limited horizontal space.
- Screening Purposes: Can be used to cover unsightly areas or to create privacy screens in the garden.
- Variety in Design: The 'Snow Queen' cultivar can be used in combination with other plants to create varied garden designs.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care outside of occasional pruning and watering.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in cooler climates, making it versatile for a range of garden zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Snow Queen' can be used in floral arrangements, either as fresh or dried flowers, adding an elegant touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The vine's sturdy nature allows it to be trained over arbors, pergolas, or trellises, providing attractive green architecture in gardens.
- When grown against a wall, it can create a stunning backdrop for other plants or garden features.
- The plant can be used for privacy screening, as its dense foliage can obscure unwanted views when trained along a fence or similar structure.
- As a thematic element in garden design, Clematis 'Snow Queen' is often incorporated into white or moon gardens, where it contributes to the luminescent quality of the planting scheme under moonlight.
- Clematis 'Snow Queen' can be part of a habitat garden designed to attract and support wildlife, as it provides shelter for small birds and insects.
- Some hobbyists may use the complex pattern of the vines as inspiration for artwork, garden sculptures, or creative photography.
- In educational gardens, Clematis 'Snow Queen' can be used to teach pruning techniques, as the plant responds well to careful shaping and maintenance.
- The plant can be utilized in crafting, particularly by taking the dried seed heads and incorporating them into natural art projects.
- Gardeners sometimes use this plant in companion planting, pairing it with shrubs that can support its climbing habit and complement its blooms.
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 Beauty: The Clematis 'Snow Queen' is often associated with the concept of mental beauty, due to its intricate and thoughtful flower form, which is appreciated not just for its aesthetics but also for the complexity and intelligence in its design.
- Ingeniousness: This variety of clematis is symbolic of cleverness and sharp wit, reflecting the plant's resourceful way of climbing and encapsulating the ability to thrive and adapt in various conditions.
- Aspiration: With its tendency to grow upwards and reach for the sky, Clematis 'Snow Queen' represents ambition and the quest to achieve greater heights, both literally and metaphorically speaking.
- Artistic Inspiration: Due to its stunning and elegant appearance, this plant is often seen as a muse for artists and creative minds, symbolizing the stimulus for artistic endeavors and expression.
- Purity: The 'Snow Queen' name itself suggests a connection with purity and innocence, echoed by the crisp, white petals of the blooming flower, offering a sense of serenity and clarity.
- Spiritual Ascension: The climbing nature and growth towards the heavens are also symbolic of spiritual quest and growth, making this plant a representation of the journey towards spiritual enlightenment or higher understanding.
WaterThe Clematis 'Snow Queen', commonly known as the Snow Queen Clematis, should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Initially, water the plant about three times a week to help establish roots. Once established, reduce watering to about once a week, providing around 1 gallon of water each time. During hot or dry weather, increase the frequency to twice a week. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, so aim the water at the base of the plant.
LightSnow Queen Clematis thrives best under full sun to partial shade conditions. It is essential to plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day, though some dappled shade during the intense afternoon sun will protect the plant. An ideal spot could be at the base of a trellis or fence where the roots are shaded but the vine can climb towards the sunlight.
TemperatureSnow Queen Clematis prefers a moderate climate with the ideal temperature range between 55°F and 75°F. It has a tolerance for minimum winter temperatures down to around -20°F and can handle summer highs up to 85°F, but extreme temperatures beyond these may harm the plant. To thrive, consider providing some shade during the hottest part of the day in warmer regions.
PruningPruning Snow Queen Clematis promotes healthy growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring when buds show green, removing any dead or weak stems. This Clematis falls into Pruning Group 2, meaning it blooms on old wood, so it's important to only lightly prune to shape the plant and remove deadwood. The best time for significant pruning is right after the first bloom to shape the vine and encourage a second flowering period.
CleaningNot needed
SoilClematis 'Snow Queen' prefers a well-draining soil mix with ample organic matter. The pH should be slightly alkaline, around 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure will provide the necessary nutrients and structure. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingClematis 'Snow Queen', also known as Queen of the Vines, generally doesn't need frequent repotting. It may be repotted every few years if it outgrows its container or the soil becomes exhausted. In-ground plants typically do not require repotting.
Humidity & MistingThe Clematis 'Snow Queen' prefers outdoor humidity conditions and does well with the natural humidity found in most garden environments. It does not have specific humidity requirements but too dry conditions should be avoided.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, and cool root zone for indoor Queen of the Vines.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, mulch roots, and provide a support structure.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Snow Queen', a deciduous, perennial vine, starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring. Upon germination, the seedling develops a root system and shoots which mature into a climbing vine with compound leaves. Through spring and into summer, the plant experiences vegetative growth, with stems lengthening and leaves expanding, utilizing energy from photosynthesis. The Clematis 'Snow Queen' then blooms in late spring or early summer, producing large, white flowers that are crucial for reproductive success as they attract pollinators for sexual reproduction and seed production. After pollination and fertilization, seed heads develop and mature by late summer or fall, releasing seeds to propagate the next generation. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, with above-ground parts dying back and growth resuming the following spring from the crown and root system.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Snow Queen' is through softwood cuttings, typically done in early summer when the plant has fresh, new growth that is not yet mature. To propagate using this method, a gardener would cut a 4-6 inch (approximately 10-15 cm) length of stem that includes at least two sets of leaves or nodes. The cut should be made just below a node, and the lower leaves should be removed. The base of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar rooting medium. The pot should then be placed in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity, which is crucial for root development. After several weeks, once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transferred into individual pots to grow on before being planted out in the garden.
