Clematis Versailles Clematis Versailles = 'Evipo025' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
This plant is a stunning example of the Clematis family, recognized for its striking flowers and lush foliage. The Clematis 'Versailles' boasts large, eye-catching flowers that are a vibrant shade of pink. The petals are slightly contorted and have a velvety texture, displaying a rich coloration that tends to be deeper at the margins and lighter towards the center. Each flower features a prominent center of creamy-yellow anthers, providing a beautiful contrast to the petals. The blooms are profuse and cover the plant in a spectacular floral display. The foliage of this Clematis is deep green, with each leaf comprising multiple leaflets which create a backdrop that beautifully showcases the flowers. The leaves are typically bright and healthy, offering a nice texture and form that persists throughout the growing season. The Clematis 'Versailles' climbs and intertwines with supports, presenting an elegant and vertical aspect to any garden display. The plant has a bushy, cascading habit, which makes it a great choice for trellises, arbors, and pergolas, where its beauty can be admired up close. The combination of its vivid flowers, attractive green foliage, and climbing nature makes it a delightful presence in any outdoor space.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Clematis 'Versailles', Versailles Clematis, Evipo025 Clematis.
Common names
Clematis Versailles = 'Evipo025' (PBR) (EL).
- Toxicity
To humans
The Clematis, including the Clematis Versailles, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds called glycosides which, when ingested, can be broken down in the body to produce toxins that interfere with cellular processes. Symptoms of clematis poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Skin contact with the plant's sap may also cause dermatitis or skin irritations in some individuals. Although serious complications are rare, it is advised to seek medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
The Clematis plant is also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests parts of a Clematis, it can lead to symptoms similar to those in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms arise due to the presence of irritant glycosides. Ingesting this plant can be more dangerous for pets compared to humans, especially if consumed in large quantities. Pet owners should keep clematis out of reach and consult a veterinarian immediately if their pet has ingested any part of the plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Garden Origin
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive blooms: Features large, striking flowers that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Long flowering period: Boasts a long blooming season, providing color and beauty throughout the warmer months.
- Versatility: Can be grown in a variety of settings, including trellises, fences, and as ground cover, adapting well to different garden designs.
- Compact growth: Has a manageable size that is well-suited for smaller gardens or containers.
- Ease of care: Generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Hardiness: Exhibits good resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to its longevity and performance in a garden setting.
- Improved cultivar: As a cultivated variety, it has been bred for specific desirable traits, such as flower size and color.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Crafting natural dyes: The vibrant colors of Clematis flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Floral jewelry: With careful preservation techniques, delicate Clematis flowers can be incorporated into handmade jewelry like earrings or pendants.
- Photography subject: The picturesque blooms of Clematis can serve as an inspiring subject for photographers, particularly macro photography enthusiasts.
- Garden sculptures: By training Clematis vines along metal frames or sculptures, gardeners can create living art pieces that change with the seasons.
- Writing and printing inks: Historically, plants have been used to make inks, and Clematis pigments might be an option for creating unique, natural inks.
- Educational tool: Clematis plants can be used to teach botany and plant biology, illustrating plant growth patterns, flowering, and pruning effects.
- Companion planting: Clematis can be strategically planted to climb and complement the structures of neighboring plants, creating aesthetically pleasing garden designs.
- Symbolic gifts: Certain cultures cherish flowers for their symbolic meanings; Clematis could represent mental beauty or artistry when gifted.
- Natural fencing: By growing Clematis on wire frames or wooden lattices, they can form a natural, decorative screen for privacy in gardens and yards.
- Workshops and classes: Clematis cultivation and care can be the focus of horticultural workshops or master gardening classes, fostering a community of plant enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Ingeniousness: The clematis, with its ability to climb and adapt to various structures, symbolizes cleverness and the ability to find creative solutions.
- Mental Beauty: Often associated with the beauty of the mind, clematis represents appreciation for thought, intellect, and the inner world of an individual.
- Traveler's Joy: One of the common names for clematis is "Traveler's Joy," which indicates the plant is a symbol of protection and safety during travel and new adventures.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its dramatic and showy flowers, the clematis can be seen as a muse for artists, embodying inspiration and artistic expression.
- Personal Growth: The growth pattern of clematis, which involves climbing and reaching towards the light, can be symbolic of personal growth and striving for higher achievements in life.
- Water
Clematis Versailles, commonly known as Clematis 'Versailles', prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly without making the soil waterlogged. It typically requires watering once a week, but this may vary depending on climate conditions; during hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure the plant receives about 1 gallon of water each time to moisten the soil thoroughly. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce watering to prevent root rot due to excess moisture. Always check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
- Light
Clematis 'Versailles' thrives best in a location where it receives full sun to part shade. Ideally, it should get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. However, to protect the roots and base of the plant, it is beneficial to place it where the lower part of the clematis is shaded by other plants or mulch.
- Temperature
Clematis 'Versailles' is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F but thrives in the range of 45°F to 65°F. It's essential to protect the plant from extremely high temperatures and frost, as both conditions can be detrimental.
- Pruning
Pruning Clematis 'Versailles' encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooms. It falls into pruning group 2, meaning it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak stems and lightly shape the plant, ensuring to maintain a strong framework of branches. Additionally, after the first flush of blooms, cutting back the spent flowers can encourage a second bloom period.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Clematis 'Versailles' is well-draining, fertile, and moisture-retentive. A mixture of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced commercial potting mix amended with organic matter is ideal. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Clematis 'Versailles' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Refreshing the soil and providing a larger pot encourages healthy growth and blooming.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis 'Versailles' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions. While it does not require high humidity, consistent moisture in the soil is important for its growth and health.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light with support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, with roots shaded and ample climbing support.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of Clematis 'Versailles' begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges from its seed, given adequate warmth, moisture, and light conditions. This is followed by the vegetative stage where the plant grows stems, leaves, and a root system, with the clematis quickly developing into a climbing or sprawling vine. Upon reaching maturity, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing striking blooms typically in late spring to early summer, which may reoccur in late summer to early autumn. After the flowering period, pollinated flowers develop into feathery seed heads containing seeds that can be dispersed by wind. The plant then enters a dormant period during colder months, when growth slows down or ceases, and the vine may die back, particularly in colder climates. With the return of warmer weather, the plant breaks dormancy, initiating a new cycle of growth and flowering.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-early summer
The Clematis 'Versailles' is commonly propagated through stem cuttings, a popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This is best done in early summer when the plant's stems are semi-ripe, and new growth has started to harden slightly. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) section of stem just below a node, ensuring it includes at least two sets of leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried in the soil. This cutting should be kept humid by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and placed in indirect light until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks.