Clematis Tekla Clematis Tekla = 'Evipo069' (PBR) (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Tekla' is a striking perennial vine known for its vibrant display of blooms. Its flowers are large and eye-catching, often showcasing a deep reddish-pink hue that can add a pop of color to any garden. The petals have a velvety texture and are shaped like broad, tapering points that create a stunning star-like formation. These flowers often display a lighter bar running down the middle of each petal, adding a beautiful contrast against the darker edges. In the center of each flower, there is a prominent tuft of stamen that carries a creamy yellow or slightly greenish tone, offering an alluring focal point amidst the sea of petals. The leaves of 'Tekla' are green and arrange themselves in pairs or whorls along the vine. Each leaf comprises smaller leaflets that are oval with pointed tips and possess a smooth or slightly toothed edge, giving the vine a lush, full appearance. Overall, Clematis 'Tekla' exudes elegance and charm, with its spectacular flowers creating a delightful display from late spring to early autumn. It is a plant that is often treasured for its ornamental qualities and its ability to bring height and color to garden structures like trellises, arbors, and fences while maintaining a compact form suitable for a diverse range of garden sizes and styles.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Tekla Clematis, Vine.
Common names
Clematis Tekla = 'Evipo069' (PBR) (LL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis Tekla, commonly known as Clematis, is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause mild digestive upset if ingested. Skin contact with the sap may also result in skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is recommended to handle the plant with care and to keep it out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Clematis Tekla, commonly known as Clematis, can be toxic to pets if ingested. It contains compounds known as glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, coordination issues, and even convulsions. If a pet ingests Clematis, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately to manage the symptoms and ensure the pet's safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet 7 inches (2 meters)
Spread
3 feet 3 inches (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Blooms: Clematis 'Tekla' produces large, rich purple-red flowers that can add a splash of color to gardens or trellis arrangements.
- Long Flowering Period: This variety of clematis has a notably long flowering period, often blooming from late spring to early autumn.
- Compact Growth: Clematis 'Tekla' has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for small gardens or growing in containers.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, it can add vertical interest to the garden, covering walls, fences, or pergolas.
- Easy Pruning: Being in pruning group 3, it is relatively easy to care for; it can be pruned back hard at the end of winter to promote vigorous spring growth.
- Attracts Pollinators: The showy flowers of Clematis 'Tekla' attract bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of your garden's ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering than some garden plants.
- Cold Hardiness: It is quite hardy, tolerating cold weather and frost, making it suitable for a variety of climate zones.
- Resistant to Pests and Diseases: 'Tekla' is generally resistant to common clematis pests and diseases, ensuring a healthier plant with less maintenance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis as a natural dye source: The petals of the Clematis can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of subtle colors.
- Ink production: Extracts from the Clematis plant can be processed to make natural inks for art and craft purposes.
- Education and research: Clematis 'Tekla' can be used in horticultural studies to understand plant breeding and hybridization processes.
- Photography subject: Due to its vibrant flowers, Clematis 'Tekla' serves as a stunning photography subject for botanical photographers.
- Theme gardens: This variety can be used to create a specific color scheme in theme gardens due to its striking red flowers.
- Culinary decoration: The non-toxic flowers of Clematis 'Tekla' can be used to garnish and decorate dishes, adding a touch of elegance.
- Floral artistry: Clematis can be incorporated into floral arrangements and artwork for its unique shape and vibrant color.
- Habitat for wildlife: When planted outdoors, Clematis 'Tekla' can provide shelter and potential nesting sites for certain bird species.
- Event decor: This Clematis can be used in event decorations, such as weddings or garden parties, to create a natural and elegant atmosphere.
- Educational crafts: The plant can be used to teach children about the life cycle of plants, from seed to bloom, through interactive gardening projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingeniousness: Clematis plants are often associated with cleverness and ingenuity due to their resourceful way of climbing and adapting to their support structures.
- Mental Beauty: The flower's intricate patterns and diverse range of colors symbolize the complexity and attractiveness of intellectual thought.
- Foresight: Gardeners must plan for the future when caring for clematis, as the vines require structures to support their growth, making it a symbol of strategic thinking and consideration.
- Traveler's Joy: This common name for Clematis suggests a connection with adventure and the joy found in exploring new horizons.
WaterClematis, commonly known as 'Queen of the Vines', should be watered thoroughly with about 1 gallon of water once a week during the growing season. The soil around Clematis should be kept moist but not waterlogged. In hot and dry periods, it may require additional water, possibly up to 2 gallons per week. During winter, reduce watering since the plant's water requirements decrease. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightThe Clematis thrives in a location where it can receive about 6 hours of sunlight a day, which is important for vigorous growth and flowering. It's best to plant it in a spot where the roots are shaded but the vines can climb into the sun. Morning sunlight with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day are ideal lighting conditions for this plant.
TemperatureClematis prefers to grow in temperatures between 45°F and 80°F for optimal growth. It can survive winter cold down to about 20°F but should be protected from harsh frost. During hot summer days, it's important to ensure the roots and base of the plant remain cool to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning Clematis encourages strong growth and flowering and should be done according to its pruning group classification. For the variety Tekla, prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground. This timing allows for healthy new growth in the spring and robust flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Tekla' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with good fertility, composed of loamy garden soil, compost, and a balanced pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. The addition of organic matter like well-rotted manure or leaf mold can help maintain the ideal moisture level and nutrient content.
RepottingClematis 'Tekla' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Tekla' does well with moderate ambient humidity and doesn’t require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors. Providing adequate air circulation around the plant will help maintain healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position near a sunny window; ensure strong support for climbing.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; shelter from strong winds; support structure.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleClematis 'Tekla', like other clematis plants, starts its life cycle from a seed, which after germination, gives rise to a small seedling with a few leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a robust root system and vines begin to grow rapidly, with leaves expanding to enable photosynthesis. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage where it produces large, vibrant, purplish-red blooms in late spring to early summer and often again in late summer. After pollination, flowers may develop into fruit, which is a fluffy, plumed structure containing seeds. These seeds can be dispersed by wind to establish new plants, completing the generative phase. As a perennial, Clematis 'Tekla' will then enter a period of dormancy in winter, with the plant’s foliage dying back, only to regrow the following spring and repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Tekla', a variety known for its deep pink flowers and vigorous growth habit, is often propagated by softwood cuttings, a popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to take cuttings for this plant is in early to mid-summer when new growth is green and flexible but has not yet hardened into woody stems. To propagate Clematis 'Tekla' using softwood cuttings, a gardener should carefully snip a 6-inch (approximately 15 cm) piece of stem that includes at least two sets of leaves and nodes, ensuring a clean cut just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, with the bottom set of nodes buried. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight until roots have developed and new growth is visible, which indicates successful propagation. Moisture levels in the potting medium should be consistently maintained but not overly saturated to prevent rot.
