Clematis Clematis Victor Hugo = 'Evipo007' (PBR) (LL)
ABOUT
The Clematis Victor Hugo, also known simply as Clematis, is a showy, flowering vine that boasts remarkable blooms. Its flowers are particularly striking and tend to be large and star-shaped. The petals are velvety and deep purple or burgundy in color with brighter central bars, typically magenta or reddish-pink, that draw the eye to the center of the flower. At the heart of each bloom, a tuft of contrasting creamy-yellow stamens adds an extra layer of visual interest and provides a beautiful contrast against the dark petals. The luxurious flowers emerge profusely throughout the flowering season, lending a dramatic flair to any garden display. The foliage of the Clematis Victor Hugo complements its blossoms. The leaves are mid-green, divided into leaflets, and they create a lush backdrop for the spectacular flowers, often climbing and twining around supports that allow the plant to showcase its beauty vertically. When not in bloom, the greenery still provides a pleasing textural element to the garden. Overall, the Clematis Victor Hugo is a magnificent and elegant plant that captivates with its bold blooms and striking color contrast, making it a focal point in any space where it is grown.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Clematis 'Evipo007', Victor Hugo Clematis
Common names
Clematis Victor Hugo 'Evipo007' (PBR) (LL).
- Toxicity
To humans
Clematis, which includes Clematis Victor Hugo 'Evipo007', may cause mild poisoning if parts of the plant are ingested. The plant contains irritant glycosides which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. There may also be mouth and throat irritation due to the irritant nature of these compounds. Ingesting clematis can lead to discomfort, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist or in cases of significant ingestion.
To pets
Clematis, including Clematis Victor Hugo 'Evipo007', is also toxic to pets. If ingested, dogs, cats, and other animals may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth and throat irritation due to the irritant glycosides present in the plant. While the toxicity is typically considered mild, ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and should be treated seriously. A veterinarian should be consulted if a pet consumes this plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: The Clematis Victor Hugo typically produces striking deep purple flowers with contrasting yellow stamens, adding a vivid splash of color to any garden.
- Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, this variety is suitable for smaller gardens or for growing in containers on patios and balconies.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant often enjoys a long flowering season from late spring to early autumn, providing extended visual interest.
- Climbing Ability: As a climbing plant, it can be trained on trellises, fences, and walls, making it versatile for vertical gardening.
- Low Maintenance: Clematis Victor Hugo requires relatively low maintenance, needing only regular watering, occasional feeding, and some annual pruning for optimal health.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy and capable of withstanding a range of climates, although it may require some protection in very cold conditions.
- Deciduous Nature: Being deciduous, it can provide seasonal interest through the year as its foliage changes.
- 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
- Artistic Inspiration: Clematis might serve as a subject for artists and photographers due to their vibrant flowers and interesting vine structure.
- Literary Symbolism: In literature, the Clematis can be used to symbolize mental beauty or the quest for knowledge due to its intricate and upward growth habit.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture teachers can use Clematis as a live specimen for botany classes to illustrate climbing plant habits and pruning techniques.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the non-toxic varieties of Clematis can be used as an ornamental garnish for high-end culinary presentations.
- Garden Sculpture: Dead Clematis vines can be repurposed as natural sculptures or woven into forms to accentuate garden spaces.
- Film and Theater: Clematis can be used in set design to create an enchanted or overgrown garden effect in films and theatrical productions.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Clematis petals can serve as a biodegradable confetti alternative for outdoor celebrations to minimize environmental impact.
- Fragrance Inspiration: Perfumers can look to the subtle scent of some Clematis varieties when developing new floral fragrances.
- Fantasy Gardening: Create a fantasy-themed garden including Clematis to resemble a magical plant from fairy tales, invoking a sense of wonder and enchantment.
- Natural Weaving Material: Flexible Clematis stems may be harvested and used as weaving materials for making baskets or decorative crafts.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Ingenuity and Intelligence: Named after the celebrated French writer Victor Hugo, this clematis variety symbolizes cleverness and creativity, reflecting the intellectual prowess of its namesake.
- Mental Beauty: Clematis florals often represent the beauty of the mind, combining Victor Hugo's recognition as an artist with the characteristic elegance of the flower.
- Artistic Inspiration: Given the literary connection, Clematis Victor Hugo may symbolize inspiration, making it an excellent choice for creative individuals seeking a muse in their garden.
- Strength and Resilience: Clematis plants in general are known for their vigorous growth and resilience. This variety represents the perseverance to overcome obstacles, much like Victor Hugo's enduring legacy.
- Water
The Clematis 'Victor Hugo' requires consistent moisture, so it should be watered once a week, giving it about one gallon of water each time. During hot, dry periods, the frequency should be increased to twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Adjust the watering schedule during the rainy season to prevent overwatering. Monitor the soil moisture level regularly and provide additional water if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Light
Clematis 'Victor Hugo' thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot provides the plant with about six hours of sunlight daily, preferably the cool morning sun, with some afternoon shade to protect the plant from the intense heat of the day. Placing the Clematis in a spot with proper sunlight encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooming.
- Temperature
The Clematis 'Victor Hugo' can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter cold temperatures down to around -20°F, which makes it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat as temperatures above 95°F may stress the plant and affect its growth.
- Pruning
The Clematis 'Victor Hugo' should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged stems and to promote healthy growth. It benefits from regular pruning, typically in late winter or early spring. Pruning Group 2 Clematis like 'Victor Hugo' requires cutting back dead wood and thinning out the top of the plant to enhance its shape and flowering potential for the upcoming season. Prune immediately after the first bloom to encourage a second wave of flowers.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Clematis require well-draining soil with a pH close to neutral, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Clematis Victor Hugo would consist of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or grit for improved drainage. It's essential to ensure that the soil is fertile and the planting area does not collect standing water, which can lead to root rot.
- Repotting
Clematis Victor Hugo does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted every 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. It's important to handle the roots gently during this process and use the opportunity to refresh the soil mix and check for any signs of disease.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis Victor Hugo thrives in outdoor conditions with average humidity levels. While it does not require a specific humidity range, ensuring good air circulation around the plant can help prevent fungal diseases associated with high humidity environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright indirect light, good air flow, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, partial sun, and provide a trellis.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Clematis 'Victor Hugo', begins its life cycle as a seed, with germination occurring under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing a robust root system and initial vines. During spring and summer, it enters a vigorous vegetative growth stage, producing long vines and ample foliage. In this growth phase, the plant requires support to climb, which it does by twining leaf petioles. Once mature, 'Victor Hugo' produces large, vibrant purple flowers from late spring to early autumn, attracting pollinators. After the flowering stage, the plant may produce seed heads, completing its cycle, and these seeds can be dispersed to produce new plants if conditions are favorable.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Clematis 'Victor Hugo' is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. To do this, one should select a healthy piece of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, with at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, leaving the top set of leaves exposed. It is essential to maintain a humid environment for the cutting, which can be achieved by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. In a few weeks, if conditions are optimal, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.