Clematis Clematis 'The Jewell' (M)
ABOUT
Clematis 'The Jewell' (M) is an ornamental flowering vine known for its striking blooms and elegant growth habit. The plant features large, showy flowers that captivate garden enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The flowers of this cultivar exhibit a mesmerizing blend of colors, typically showcasing rich, velvety petals that can vary in shade from deep purples to vibrant violets. At the center of each flower, there is often a contrasting tuft of stamens, which may be lighter in color, adding to the plant's visual allure. The foliage of Clematis 'The Jewell' is equally attractive, with leaves that are green and often assume a leathery texture. The leaves are arranged alternately along the climbing stems, providing a lush backdrop that further accentuates the beauty of the flowers. The vine habit of this Clematis allows it to gracefully entwine around supports, making it an excellent choice for trellises, arbor posts, or fences where it can twine and climb, contributing to vertical interest in gardens and landscapes. Overall, the appearance of Clematis 'The Jewell' is one that conveys both elegance and dramatic impact, making it a prized addition for its ornate flowers and vibrant decorative appeal. It is beloved for its ability to bring a burst of color to garden spaces and for its propensity to bloom prolifically, offering long-lasting visual enjoyment.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Clematis, Leather Flower, Traveler's Joy, Virgin's Bower, Old Man's Beard.
Common names
Clematis 'The Jewell' (M)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'The Jewell,' can be toxic when ingested. The plant contains compounds called glycosides that can cause digestive upset. Symptoms of poisoning from consuming parts of clematis might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. In severe cases, ingesting clematis can also lead to more serious health complications, such as internal bleeding or nervous system issues.
To pets
Clematis is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests clematis, they might experience similar symptoms to humans: vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and potential for ataxia if a significant amount is consumed. More severe cases of ingestion could lead to more serious effects, like a drop in blood pressure or heart rate, but these are less common. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces striking, colorful blooms that can add visual interest to any garden or landscape.
- Versatility: Suitable for training on trellises, fences, and arbors or even for growing in containers.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long flowering period, often from late spring through early fall, providing sustained beauty.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can create a natural privacy screen or garden divider.
- Vertical Gardening: Ideal for adding height to gardens, making use of vertical space for those with limited ground area.
- Garden Renovation: Can be used to renovate and cover unsightly parts of the garden, like old fences or sheds.
- Ease of Care: Generally low-maintenance once established, with only moderate watering and pruning requirements.
- Variety of Uses: Popular in landscape design for both formal and informal settings due to its adaptable nature.
- Cultural Significance: Often used in garden designs and has cultural associations, such as being a traditional cottage garden plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis vines can be used to create natural screens or dividers in outdoor spaces, guiding the eye or providing privacy by training the plant to grow on trellises or fences.
- The flexible stems of clematis can be woven into baskets or other forms of garden art, utilizing their natural durability when dried.
- When trimmed appropriately, clematis plants can be trained into shapes or topiaries, showcasing their flowers as part of decorative garden displays.
- Clematis vines, with their dense foliage, can provide shade and cooler microclimates in garden sitting areas or over pergolas.
- As part of a butterfly or pollinator garden, clematis can serve as a host for beneficial insects, enhancing biodiversity.
- Clematis petals, while not commonly used, can be a colorful addition to compose plant-based dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- The climbing nature of clematis can be used for hiding unsightly garden features like compost bins or rainwater harvesting systems.
- Dried clematis stems and seed heads can be included in floral arrangements or winter bouquets for added texture and visual interest.
- Clematis can act as a companion plant, helping to direct foot traffic by delineating paths and walkways in a garden setting.
- When incorporated into a sensory garden, the gentle rustling of clematis leaves in the breeze can contribute to the garden's auditory 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- Intellectual Beauty: The Clematis, commonly known as 'The Jewell', often symbolizes the concept of mental or intellectual beauty, representing a person's inner thought and the beauty of the mind.
- Ingeniousness: Associated with cleverness and sharp intellect, Clematis are thought to represent artful and strategic thinking.
- Traveler's Joy: Sometimes referred to as the "Traveler's Joy," Clematis suggests the idea of protection and safe travel, symbolizing good fortune for those embarking on journeys.
- Spiritual Pursuits: The plant is also associated with spiritual exploration and the pursuit of higher thought, reflecting a quest for knowledge beyond the materialistic world.
- Artistic Inspiration: Clematis can symbolize the flow of creativity and inspiration, making it a perfect emblem for artists and creative minds.
WaterClematis, commonly known as the Clematis vine, should be watered deeply once a week to encourage the roots to grow deep, which is particularly important in the first growing season. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Provide the vine with about one gallon of water at each watering session to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the dormant season (fall and winter), and always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightClematis vines thrive in a spot with full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of sunlight a day, but their roots and base prefer to be shaded and cool. Planting them where the foliage can bask in the sun while the roots are covered with mulch or shaded by low plants works well for this vine.
TemperatureThe Clematis vine prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in a temperature range from about 25 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for the Clematis vine to flourish is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These vines can often withstand brief periods outside this range, but extended exposure to temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental.
PruningPruning the Clematis vine is essential for healthy growth and to encourage vigorous flowering. Prune the vine in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or weak stems. Certain varieties bloom on previous year's growth, so pruning at the correct time is crucial to not remove the next season's flowers. It's typically recommended to prune lightly, just enough to shape the vine and promote new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'The Jewell', commonly known as Clematis, thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH that's slightly alkaline to neutral, between 7.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Clematis would include two parts loam, one part well-rotted compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage.
RepottingClematis plants, including 'The Jewell', typically require repotting every 2-3 years to prevent them from becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'The Jewell' prefers a moderate humidity level, but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade; protect roots and base with mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'The President' begins life when a seed germinates in moist, well-draining soil, ideally in early spring. As it emerges, the seedling seeks out support and begins to climb, developing a strong root system and vine-like structure. During its growing season, it produces large, stately purple-blue flowers, usually between late spring and early autumn. After blooming, the plant sets seed in fluffy seed heads that can be dispersed by wind. In the winter, as a perennial, it may die back, especially in colder climates, but the root system remains alive underground. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the Clematis 'The President' experiences regrowth, rejuvenating its foliage and stems to restart the cycle with new blooms.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Clematis 'The Jewel', often referred to simply as Clematis, can be propagated through several methods, though one of the most popular is by taking softwood cuttings. This is typically done in the early to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. A softwood cutting is a stem that is not yet hard and can still easily bend. To propagate, cut a six-inch (about 15 cm) length section of stem that has at least two sets of leaves or nodes. Remove the bottom set of leaves to expose the nodes, as this is where roots will develop. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a location with indirect sunlight. After a few weeks to a couple of months, the cutting should develop roots, at which point it can be transplanted to its final location.
