Clematis Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell', often just referred to as Clematis, is a showy, flowering vine known for its striking blooms and lush foliage. This Clematis variety boasts large, opulent double flowers when it blossoms in late spring and early summer. The flowers are typically a rich, deep blue-purple, with a paler mauve-pink on the reverse of the sepals, creating a stunning two-tone effect. As the season progresses and the plant reblooms, the flowers can change to a more single form, which are still eye-catching but with less of the layered petal structure. These star-shaped flowers are magnificent in their size and form, with each individual flower being comprised of multiple layers of petals that give it an almost ruffled appearance. The petals are velvety and overlapping, paying testament to the exquisite beauty that these plants can bring to a garden. Accentuating the flowers, the foliage of the Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' consists of green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the floral display. The leaves are usually compound, with several leaflets per leaf, and they grasp support structures with curling petioles, which allows the vine to climb elegantly. As a cultivar bred for ornamental use, this Clematis can add vertical interest to garden spaces by twining around trellises, arbors, or other support structures. Overall, Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' has a regal presence in the garden, with a color palette that is both vibrant and sophisticated. Its ability to flower twice in a season ensures an extended display that gardeners highly value for its visual impact and contribution to garden aesthetics.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Vyvyan Pennell Clematis, Double Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' (EL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell', can be toxic if ingested. It contains compounds called glycosides, which can cause symptoms like salivation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when parts of the plant are eaten. There can also be severe symptoms such as internal bleeding, nervous system issues, or convulsions in cases of large amounts being consumed. Skin contact with the sap may also cause dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Clematis is also toxic to pets. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases may result in ataxia, tremors, or seizures if large quantities of the plant are consumed. Pet owners should prevent animals from having access to the plant to avoid potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' adds aesthetic beauty to gardens with its large, double flowers and vibrant colors.
- Vertical Interest: This clematis variety can climb up trellises, walls, and fences, providing vertical interest in landscape design.
- Seasonal Color: It blooms in late spring to early summer, offering a seasonal display of purple-blue flowers.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens or containers due to its relatively compact growth habit.
- Longevity: Once established, it is a long-lived plant, providing many years of enjoyment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' can be used as a natural dye, where its flowers might provide interesting hues to fabrics or artworks.
- The woody vines can be woven into small decorative baskets or garden structures, showcasing the plant's flexibility.
- Dead or pruned stems of the clematis can serve as organic material for compost, helping to enrich the soil of gardens.
- The plant can sometimes be used as a living screen or privacy barrier when trained to grow on trellises.
- Its dried flowers may be incorporated into potpourri mixtures, contributing a delicate shape to the mixture.
- Pressed clematis flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- The climbing nature of the clematis can be directed over unsightly garden elements, such as old stumps, to beautify the area.
- The flowers provide a photographic subject for garden photographers, offering a striking image when in full bloom.
- Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' can be grown in large containers to decorate balconies or terraces, bringing vertical interest to urban spaces.
- When grown in public gardens or spaces, the visual appeal of the clematis can contribute to enhancing community well-being through its aesthetic value.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis 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 intelligence and discerning thought, as its intricate and numerous petals can symbolize the complexity of the mind.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its showy flowers, clematis can represent creativity and the blooming of ideas, making it a symbol for artists and creative thinkers.
- Spiritual Pursuit: The upward growth habit of the clematis symbolizes spiritual exploration and the striving for higher understanding.
- Beauty and Vanity: The attractive nature of the clematis blossom lends itself to symbolize beauty, but also warns of the potential for vanity.
- Ingenuity: The resourcefulness of clematis in climbing towards the light speaks to human ingenuity and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterClematis 'Vyvyan Pennell', commonly known as Double Clematis, requires thorough watering to establish deep roots, especially during its first season. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide about one gallon of water once a week during the growing season, but adjust for rainfall and check soil moisture regularly. During the hot summer months or in dry conditions, you might need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightDouble Clematis thrives best in conditions where it gets full sun to part shade. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Planting it in a spot where the tops get sun but the roots are shaded by other plants or mulch helps keep the root zone cool.
TemperatureDouble Clematis prefers a temperate climate and flourishes when the temperature is between 68°F and 75°F. It's essential to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, as it can typically survive a range from about 40°F to no more than 90°F. Protection from harsh winter winds and frost is necessary to prevent damage to the vine.
PruningPruning Double Clematis encourages strong growth and flowering. It is categorized in Pruning Group 2, meaning it should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring. Remove dead or weak stems before growth begins, and after the early bloom, you can cut back to a pair of strong buds to encourage a second flush of flowers. Pruning every year ensures the best display of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell', a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. Amend the soil with compost and peat moss to improve texture and fertility.
RepottingClematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' thrives in moderate humidity conditions; it doesn't require a specific humidity level but prefers not to be too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with ample support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with support; mulch root zone to keep cool.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will germinate and produce a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a young plant, developing a robust root system and foliage as it becomes established. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage, growing rapidly and producing long, climbing vines that will seek out support to ascend. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, the plant produces large, double blue-purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers are followed by the production of seed heads, which mature and eventually release their seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In late autumn and winter, the plant enters dormancy, reducing its above-ground activity to survive adverse conditions, only to resume growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Clematis 'Vyvyan Pennell' (Early Large-flowered clematis), is most commonly propagated through layering, which is best done in the spring. In this process, a healthy, long stem is chosen and a small notch is made just below a leaf joint or node. This portion of the stem is then pinned down to the soil either in the same container, if large enough, or into a nearby pot filled with a suitable soil mix. To encourage rooting, rooting hormone can be applied to the notched section before covering it with soil. Once the stem has rooted, which can be checked by gentle tugs for resistance after a few months, it is severed from the parent plant and potted up as an independent plant. This method utilizes the plant's natural ability to root from stems and does not involve cutting the plant back harshly, allowing the parent plant to continue flowering and growing without significant disturbance.
