Clematis The Vagabond Clematis 'The Vagabond' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'The Vagabond' is a striking flowering vine known for its vibrant appearance and lush blooms. The plant boasts a profusion of deep purple-blue flowers with a velvety texture and a striking red stripe that runs through each of the petals, adding a distinctive splash of color. These petals are broad and overlapping, creating a full and rounded look for each bloom. In the center, a contrasting tuft of creamy yellow stamens stands out, attracting pollinators and adding an extra layer of interest to the already eye-catching flowers. The leaves of the Clematis 'The Vagabond' are bright green and provide a beautiful backdrop for the colorful flowers. They are divided into multiple leaflets, often in groups of three, giving the foliage an overall delicate and lacy appearance. The vines themselves are robust and have a graceful twining habit, which makes them perfect for climbing over arbors, trellises, or other garden structures. This contributes to the plant's ornamental appeal, creating a vertical accent in the garden. The overall result is a cascade of rich color and texture that can add drama and beauty to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Vagabond Clematis, Traveler's Joy, Old Man's Beard.
Common names
There are no known synonyms for Clematis 'The Vagabond' (EL), its basic scientific name is provided.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including cultivars like 'The Vagabond', can be toxic to humans. These plants contain irritant glycosides which, if ingested, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, more severe symptoms could occur, including mouth ulcers and skin irritation upon contact. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation due to the presence of chemical irritants, and if any part of the plant is ingested, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset. It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Clematis plants are also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, it may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly signs of mouth pain like pawing at the mouth or decreased appetite due to oral irritation. In severe cases, ingesting clematis can lead to more serious health issues. It is important to prevent pets from accessing these plants and to consult a veterinarian promptly if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Clematis 'The Vagabond' is valued for its rich purple-blue flowers, which add a vibrant splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Climbing Habit: Being a climber, this variety is excellent for covering trellises, walls, arbors, and fences, providing vertical interest in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms from late spring to early summer, and often has a second flush of flowers in late summer, offering multiple seasons of visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, which helps to support local ecosystems and pollinator populations.
- Compact Growth: This cultivar remains relatively compact compared to some other clematis varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers.
- Easy Pruning: Belonging to pruning group 2, 'The Vagabond' is easy to prune since it only needs light pruning to shape and encourage flowering.
- Enhances Privacy: When grown on structures, it can create a natural privacy screen, giving a lush and cozy feel to outdoor spaces.
- Versatility in Landscape: Can be used as a ground cover if there is nothing to climb, displaying its versatility in different garden contexts.
- Durable: Clematis 'The Vagabond' is relatively hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for many climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'The Vagabond' can be used in floral arrangements, adding texture and color to bouquets with its richly colored flowers and vine-like structure.
- This clematis variety can serve as a natural privacy screen when grown on trellises or fences, providing a dense layer of foliage and blooms.
- The woody stems of mature clematis plants can be used for lightweight crafts or as natural supports for other climbing plants in the garden.
- The plant can be grown as ground cover in areas where vertical space is limited, showcasing its ability to spread horizontally with proper training.
- Dried clematis flowers and seed heads can be used to create unique and rustic decorations for wreaths or as part of dried flower arrangements.
- Creative gardeners may train clematis vines into living sculptures by guiding their growth around wire frames or similar structures.
- Clematis can be used in educational settings as a tool to teach about plant growth habits, pruning techniques, and climber support systems.
- This variety's distinctive flowers can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, offering subtle color variations depending on the mordant used.
- Clematis 'The Vagabond' can offer a habitat and food source for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, thus enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- In photography, the vivid colors and complex structure of clematis blooms offer an excellent subject for macro photography, showcasing the intricacies of the flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: The clematis is often associated with ingenuity and quick thinking, perhaps in part due to its ability to climb and adapt to its environment, making 'The Vagabond' a symbol of the mind's adaptability.
- Creative Expression: Due to its showy flowers and climbing nature, the clematis represents artistic creativity, suggesting that 'The Vagabond' can inspire one to think outside the box and express oneself uniquely.
- Spiritual Quest: Historically, in some cultures, clematis has symbolized a striving toward higher truths and spiritual enlightenment, akin to its growth upwards towards the sky.
- Beauty and Art: As clematis flowers are often admired for their aesthetic appeal, 'The Vagabond' can serve as a reminder of the inherent beauty in the world and the importance of art in daily life.
- Transformation: 'The Vagabond,' with its ability to grow vigorously and change its surroundings, can be seen as a symbol of transformation and positive change in one’s life.
WaterFor Clematis 'The Vagabond', commonly known as Clematis, it's important to ensure even soil moisture, which might mean watering about once a week with a generous amount depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, Clematis prefers about 1 gallon of water each week under normal conditions. However, if you're experiencing hot and dry weather, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out. It's critical to water deeply and directly at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Less water may be required during fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightClematis thrives in a spot where the roots are shaded but the vines and flowers can bask in full to partial sunlight for at least six hours a day. The ideal location for a Clematis 'The Vagabond' would be a sunny trellis or fence where the base of the plant can be covered with mulch or surrounded by other low-growing plants to keep the roots cool. Avoid placing it in deep shade as it will inhibit flowering and healthy growth.
TemperatureClematis 'The Vagabond' performs best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 55°F and 75°F. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected or mulched in colder regions to prevent frost damage. In hot summers where temperatures soar above 80°F, Clematis may require additional shade and water to maintain health.
PruningClematis 'The Vagabond' should be pruned to maintain plant health, control growth, and encourage robust flowering. This variety should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back to about a foot above ground level or to a pair of strong buds. Clematis benefits from annual pruning to remove dead or weak stems and promote a flush of new, healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'The Vagabond' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH close to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.5. Amend garden soil with compost and a balanced slow-release fertilizer; mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
RepottingClematis often doesn't need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. However, it's beneficial to check the plant every 2-3 years and repot if necessary, providing fresh soil and larger space if it's outgrown the current pot.
Humidity & MistingThe Clematis 'The Vagabond' prefers average garden humidity levels. It is tolerant to a wide range of humidity conditions outside of extreme wetness or dryness.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure strong light, cool roots, and use a trellis for support.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/light shade, mulch roots, and provide a support structure.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'The Vagabond' starts its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown, will germinate and produce a small seedling. The seedling then develops into a young vine that will start to climb and establish a strong root system. As it matures, the vine produces buds that eventually open into large, velvety, deep purple-blue flowers typically in late spring or early summer. After the flowering period, the plant may produce a second flush of flowers in late summer. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into feathery seed heads, which disperse the seeds to start a new generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy to regrow in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'The Vagabond', commonly known as Clematis, can be propagated through several methods, but the most popular one is stem cuttings. This technique is usually performed in early spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Clematis 'The Vagabond' using stem cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy piece of stem about 4 to 6 inches long, with at least 2 sets of leaves or nodes. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut is made just below a node, as roots tend to form from these areas. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and planted in a pot filled with a well-drained soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is below the soil surface. The pot is then kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, at which point the new Clematis plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
