Viticella Clematis Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' (Vt)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' displays striking flowers that make it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts. The blossoms of this variety are particularly noteworthy for their unique color pattern and form. Each flower exhibits a stunning contrast with white to pale lilac petals that are dramatically streaked with a rich velvety purple to violet veining, giving an impression similar to stained glass. The blooms are sizable and impactful, with a rounded to slightly pointed shape, often with four to six sepals that sometimes are perceived as petals. These sepals can have wavy or slightly ruffled edges, adding texture and depth to the flower's appearance. In the center of each flower, there is a tuft of contrasting creamy yellow to light green stamens, which stand out against the darker background of the petals and attract pollinators. This feature gives the flower an additional pop of color, providing a lovely focal point. The leaves of Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' provide the perfect backdrop for these showy flowers; they are typically green, compound, and take on a somewhat leathery appearance. The leaflets are arranged oppositely and can have three to five leaflets per leaf, and their edges might be slightly toothed or smooth. As the seasons change, this plant also bears a unique fruiting structure known as an achene, which has a plume-like, feathery tail, adding a different texture to the plant as the flowering season ends. With its combination of exceptional flowers and attractive foliage, Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' brings exceptional visual interest to any garden setting, climbing gracefully over structures like trellises, arbors, or fences, intertwining with other plants or shrubs, thus contributing to its versatility and charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Venosa Violacea Clematis, Violet Veined Clematis, Striped Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' (Vt).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Venosa Violacea', can be toxic to humans. The plant contains compounds called glycosides, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from clematis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious health concerns, such as internal bleeding or liver and kidney damage. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation in some people. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid ingesting any part of the plant or prolonged skin contact without gloves.
To pets
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Venosa Violacea', is toxic to pets. If ingested by animals, it can cause similar symptoms as seen in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can cause tremors, seizures, or even organ damage. Pets should be prevented from chewing on or ingesting any part of the plant, as the glycoside compounds can cause significant illness or discomfort. If you suspect your pet has ingested clematis, contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' adds aesthetic beauty to gardens with its striking purple and white veined flowers.
- Vertical Gardening: It is ideal for vertical gardening, as it can climb up trellis, walls, and fences, adding dimension to garden spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which are important for pollinating garden flowers and crops.
- Seasonal Interest: This clematis variety offers seasonal interest with its blooms from midsummer to early fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Versatility: Can be planted in containers or in the ground, making it a versatile choice for different garden layouts and styles.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, it can provide a living screen for privacy or to hide unsightly areas in the garden.
- Companion Planting: Works well when combined with other plants, as it can help accentuate their features and create more diverse garden ecosystems.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' can be used in basket weaving for adding color and texture to the finished product due to its strong, flexible stems.
- In art, the vibrant purple and white flowers can be pressed and used in botanical prints or for creating natural dyes for textiles.
- This type of clematis can serve as a living privacy screen in gardens, growing up trellises or fences to obscure views with its dense foliage.
- Some gardeners use the dried vines for creating rustic and decorative garden structures like obelisks or plant supports.
- The flowers can be featured in culinary presentations, such as cake decoration, though they are not edible and must be removed before consumption.
- This plant is often used in photography and painting as a subject due to its striking color contrast and intricate flower structure.
- Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' can be incorporated into crafting, for example, in the making of floral crowns or wreaths for decorative purposes.
- During festive seasons, the vines and flowers can be used to create natural and ornamental Christmas decorations, adding a unique touch to wreaths and garlands.
- The plant can be utilized in educational settings, such as schools or botanical studies, to teach pruning techniques and vine training.
- Environmental studies can use the plant to demonstrate the importance of pollinators, as it attracts bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.
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: Clematis flowers, including the 'Venosa Violacea', often symbolize the ability to adapt and think on one’s feet, much as the plant climbs and adjusts its path towards the light.
- Ingenuity: The intricate patterns and resilience of the Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' suggest cleverness and innovation, representing a person's ability to solve problems creatively.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its stunning violet and white hues, this clematis variety is a muse for many, embodying the idea of being inspired and the flourishing of creative endeavors.
- Traveler’s Joy: Clematis species are sometimes known by this common name, reflecting a love for adventure and the discovery of new horizons.
- Spiritual Exploration: The upward growth and reaching blooms can also signify a quest for higher knowledge and spiritual exploration.
WaterThe 'Venosa Violacea' Clematis, commonly known as the Clematis 'Venosa Violacea', should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly moistened. During the growing season, in absence of rainfall, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Provide approximately 1 gallon of water per session, ensuring that it reaches the plant's roots without oversaturating the soil. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as this plant is sensitive to excessively wet conditions which can lead to root rot.
LightThe Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant should be positioned where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The morning sun with afternoon shade is particularly beneficial to protect the flowers from intense midday heat. Ensure that the base of the plant and the root zone are shaded to keep the roots cool.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. This clematis can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. It is essential to provide a mulch layer to help moderate soil temperature and protect roots in extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningThe Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' should be pruned to promote healthy growth, improve air circulation, and maintain the desired shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the plant to about 12 to 18 inches above ground level. This variety falls into Pruning Group 3, which means it flowers on new growth and should be pruned back hard annually. Pruning can also involve removing any dead or weak stems after flowering to encourage strong new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Venosa Violacea' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced commercial potting mix amended with compost is ideal. Ensure plenty of organic matter for moisture retention and fertility.
RepottingClematis 'Venosa Violacea' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. This timing allows it to replenish nutrients in the soil and continue healthy growth without becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Venosa Violacea' prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the natural humidity found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide strong light, cool roots, and trellis support.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, mulch roots, and use a support system.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Venosa Violacea' (Vt), commonly known as the Clematis 'Venosa Violacea', begins its life cycle when the seed germinates in moist, well-draining soil in the spring. As a perennial, its initial development involves forming a small root system and a few leaves. As it continues to grow, it develops a climbing habit, with stems reaching for support to secure unto trellises or other plants. During the growing season, it produces distinctive purple and white veined flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, it develops seed heads that disperse seeds for the next generation. In winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, but the root system remains dormant until the following spring, when it produces new growth, thus continuing its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Queen of the Vines, Clematis 'Venosa Violacea', can be effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal propagation time for this method is during midsummer when the plant is actively growing and the stems are mature but still flexible. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy, disease-free stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a pair of leaves. This cutting should have at least two or three sets of leaves or nodes. The bottom set of leaves is removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one set of nodes is buried beneath the soil surface. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment, with a plastic bag or dome to maintain moisture, until roots have developed, which typically takes six to eight weeks.
