Cartman's Clematis Clematis × cartmanii 'White Abundance' (PBR) (Fo/f)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'White Abundance' is a captivating plant sporting an ample display of creamy white flowers. Each flower boasts a delicate array of petals, which unfurl from charming buds to reveal a pristine star-like shape. The center of these blooms carries a subtle touch of green or cream, with prominent, feathery stamens that add texture and visual interest. The foliage of the 'White Abundance' is equally attractive, featuring compound leaves that are bright green and glossy, creating an exquisite backdrop for the profusion of flowers. The leaves are divided into leaflets that can be oval to lance-shaped, often with a leathery texture, giving the plant a lush, dense appearance. As a climber, this Clematis variety has the ability to drape itself over structures or to intertwine with other plants, giving it versatility in a garden setting. Its twining leaf stalks enable it to climb and support itself as it grows, creating a wall of green from which the flowers can cascade beautifully. The flowers tend to bloom on this hybrid in early spring, signaling the reawakening of the garden with their abundant and joyful display. Often, the Clematis 'White Abundance' is a favorite among gardeners for its generous flowering and its ability to light up a trellis, fence, or pergola with its ethereal blossoms. With proper care, its display can be enjoyed over a substantial blooming period, bringing serenity and visual delight to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Joe's Clematis, Cartman’s Early Clematis, Early Clematis.
Common names
Clematis × cartmanii 'White Abundance' (PBR) (Fo/f).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'White Abundance', can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains irritating glycosides, which, when ingested, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, salivation. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis. It is advised to handle the plant with care and prevent ingestion, especially in children and vulnerable individuals.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety 'White Abundance', is also toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains irritating glycosides, which can cause similar symptoms as in humans when pets consume it, including vomiting, hypersalivation, and possible diarrhea. Pets may also experience drooling or pawing at the mouth if they come into contact with the sap. If a pet ingests clematis, it is advised to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis 'White Abundance' adds beauty to gardens with its abundant, white, star-shaped flowers that bring a touch of elegance to any landscape.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, including climbing up trellises, pergolas, walls, and can also be used as a ground cover.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in early spring, providing early seasonal interest to gardens that have yet to fully awake from winter.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Compact Size: Its relatively compact growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or growing in containers on patios and balconies.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Clematis 'White Abundance' requires minimal care, needing only occasional pruning and feeding.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners seeking water-wise plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Joe' can be used in art installations, with its abundant white flowers adding a touch of elegance and natural beauty to contemporary art pieces.
- When dried, the vines of Clematis 'Joe' can be woven into decorative baskets or wreaths, creating a rustic and charming home decor accessory.
- Photographers sometimes use Clematis 'Joe' as a backdrop for portrait photography, utilizing its lush foliage and flowers to create a romantic setting.
- Due to its climbing nature, Clematis 'Joe' can be used as a living curtain on a balcony or patio providing both privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- The flower petals of Clematis 'Joe' can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, which can result in beautiful, subtle colorations.
- Gardeners may train Clematis 'Joe' to grow over unsightly structures, such as old fences or sheds, camouflaging them with its foliage and blooms.
- Clematis 'Joe' can be incorporated into thematic gardens, like a white garden or a moonlight garden, where its flowers will glow in the evening light.
- In floral arrangements, the cut flowers of Clematis 'Joe' can add height and texture, making them a striking feature in large bouquets or centerpieces.
- With their attractive seed heads, Clematis 'Joe' can be used in dried flower arrangements to add a unique and lasting element.
- The sprawling habit of Clematis 'Joe' can provide a natural habitat for beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in a garden setting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Joe's clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Joe's clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis, in general, is often associated with cleverness and intellectual agility, due to its intricate climbing nature and the way it gracefully scales walls and trellises.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its showy blooms, Clematis can symbolize the blossoming of creativity and the beauty of artistic expression.
- Aspiration and Achieving Goals: As a climbing plant that continually reaches upward, Clematis represents striving to achieve higher goals and aspirations.
WaterJoe's clematis should be watered deeply about once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. It is crucial that the soil is allowed to almost dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Generally, provide about 1 gallon of water for each watering session. During the growing season, watering may need to increase to twice a week, especially in warmer temperatures or if Joe's clematis is in a container where soil dries out more quickly. In the cooler months or if rainfall is plentiful, watering can be reduced accordingly.
LightJoe's clematis thrives best in a location with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted where the foliage can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but where the root zone remains shaded and cool. If it's too hot, the leaves can scorch, so in warmer climates, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade would be optimal.
TemperatureFor Joe's clematis, the ideal temperature range is between 45°F and 70°F. This plant can tolerate temperatures down to about 30°F, but should be protected from frost. It can also survive up to 85°F, but may need extra care if temperatures exceed this range, such as additional shade or water.
PruningJoe's clematis benefits from pruning to promote vigorous growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to a pair of strong buds about 8-12 inches above the ground. This type of clematis flowers on the current year's growth, so annual pruning will help produce a more robust display of blooms. Pruning also helps to manage the size and shape of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJoe's Cartman Clematis thrives in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 7.0-7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingJoe's Cartman Clematis generally requires repotting every 2-3 years. As a container-grown plant, it will benefit from refreshing the potting mix to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingJoe's Cartman Clematis does well in moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments. It doesn't require the high humidity that some tropical plants might need.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool temps, and a sturdy support.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, free-draining soil, provide climbing support.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis × cartmanii 'White Abundance', also known simply as 'White Abundance', starts its life as a seed, though it is most commonly propagated through cuttings to maintain its cultivar characteristics. After planting, it enters a growth stage, developing a robust root system and foliage. It then enters a vegetative stage where the focus is on leaf and stem growth, preparing for flowering. In spring, it blossoms, producing abundant small white flowers that are its most distinctive feature. Following the blooming period, the plant sets seeds, although as a hybrid, seeds may not be true to the parent plant's features. In fall and winter, 'White Abundance' enters dormancy, conserving energy and resources to survive until the following spring when the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The Clematis 'White Abundance', a cultivar renowned for its generous blooms, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This method typically takes place in late spring to early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. For successful propagation, a gardener would cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) length of stem, ensuring that there are at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, lightly watered, and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The bag is removed for a few minutes each day to prevent mold growth, and cuttings are kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Clematis plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting in its final location.
