Winter Beauty Clematis Clematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty'
ABOUT
Clematis 'Winter Beauty' is a flowering plant that is renowned for its stunning display during the colder months of the year when many other plants are dormant. This variety of clematis has a dense and bushy appearance, with a prolific growth of evergreen foliage that remains attractive throughout the year. The leaves of Clematis 'Winter Beauty' are leathery and dark green in color, providing a lush backdrop to its blooms. As the plant matures, the foliage can make it look quite full and robust. The flowers are the most captivating feature of this plant. They are bell-shaped, a characteristic that sets them apart from the more widespread flat-faced clematis flowers. Clematis 'Winter Beauty' produces blooms that are pure white, giving them a delicate and pristine appearance. These flowers exude a subtle charm yet have a certain resilience to thrive in cooler temperatures. Each flower has a subtle nodding habit, which adds to their elegance as they gently sway in the breeze. The petals possess a waxy texture, and they may have a faint hint of a greenish-yellow at the base, though the overwhelming impression is of a clean, snowy white. Moreover, Clematis 'Winter Beauty' flowers come equipped with creamy yellow stamens at their centers, which stand out against the white petals, attracting the attention of garden admirers and pollinators alike. After flowering, the plant produces seed heads that have a fluffy appearance, adding another layer of visual interest and extending the decorative appeal of Clematis 'Winter Beauty' beyond its blooming period. These seed heads can persist on the plant, providing a decorative element to the winter garden. Overall, Clematis 'Winter Beauty' is appreciated for its enduring foliage and its ability to produce graceful, white flowers during a season when color is scarce in the garden. Its elegant blooms and evergreen leaves make it a valuable plant for providing year-round interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Winter Beauty Clematis, Winter Beauty Leather Flower
Common names
Clematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including Clematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty', can be toxic if ingested. The plant contains compounds known as glycosides which can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Symptoms of clematis poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivating. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some individuals. It is important to handle clematis with care and ensure that it is not ingested, particularly by children.
To pets
Clematis is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a clematis plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms, including ataxia (loss of coordination) and tremors. It is advisable to keep clematis out of reach of pets and to consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Winter Interest: Clematis 'Winter Beauty' blooms in late winter when most other plants are dormant, providing color and interest in the garden during the colder months.
- Evergreen Foliage: This plant maintains its foliage throughout the year, offering constant visual appeal and structure to garden spaces.
- Climbing Habit: As a climbing vine, Clematis 'Winter Beauty' can cover walls, trellises, or fences, providing vertical interest and saving valuable garden space.
- Easy Pruning: It belongs to Pruning Group 1, which means it requires minimal pruning as it flowers on old wood, simplifying maintenance.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant's winter flowers can attract pollinators such as bees when few other food sources are available.
- Versatility: Suitable for growing in containers or in the ground, Clematis 'Winter Beauty' can adapt to various garden designs and spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering in drier climates.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in many climates, capable of surviving through tough winters with temperatures down to USDA zone 4.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting material: The dried stems of Clematis 'Winter Beauty' can be used in making wreaths and other decorative crafts, providing a natural and rustic look.
- Landscape design: This plant can be used to create visually intriguing patterns on walls or fences, especially in winter gardens when other plants have lost their leaves.
- Educational tool: Botany enthusiasts or educators may use this plant to teach about the life cycle and growth patterns of climbing plants.
- Photography subject: The unique form and structure of the 'Winter Beauty' make it an excellent subject for photographers specializing in plant and garden photography.
- Insect habitat: This clematis can offer shelter to beneficial insects during the winter, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use the intricate patterns of the clematis vines and its flowers as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Privacy screen: When grown densely, Clematis 'Winter Beauty' can act as a privacy screen in the garden, blocking views from neighbors or passersby.
- Winter interest: The plant can be used to add greenery and interest to bare winter gardens, keeping the landscape attractive throughout the year.
- Support for other plants: The sturdy vine structure of Clematis 'Winter Beauty' can be used to support weaker or more delicate plants in the garden.
- Event decoration: Fresh or dried, this clematis can be included in floral arrangements for events and ceremonies, particularly due to its winter blooming characteristic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity: Clematis is often associated with cleverness due to its resourceful way of climbing and adapting to its environment.
- Mental Beauty: This variety, with its name 'Winter Beauty', can symbolize the appreciation of inner beauty and intelligence over outward appearance.
- Artistic Inspiration: The intricate form and stunning blooms of the Clematis can represent creativity and serve as inspiration for artists.
WaterThe Evergreen Clematis requires moderate watering, typically about 1 inch of water per week. Water the plant deeply to encourage root growth, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, particularly in dry spells, check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing, but do not let the soil completely dry out. It is best to water in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the foliage to evaporate during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightThe Evergreen Clematis thrives best in a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, provide a spot with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat. The plant is adaptable but will flower more abundantly with adequate sunlight.
TemperatureThe Evergreen Clematis is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F but prefers to be in a range of 50 to 75°F for optimal growth. They perform well in typical garden conditions found across many temperate regions. Proper mulching can help protect the roots in areas with severe winter temperatures.
PruningThe Evergreen Clematis should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. It is a Group 1 Clematis, which means it flowers on old wood and should be pruned right after flowering, typically in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or weak stems, and you can also lightly prune to shape the plant as desired. Regular pruning will promote new growth and a more robust display of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis Winter Beauty prefers a well-draining, loamy soil with good fertility. A soil mixture consisting of equal parts loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite can create an ideal environment. Adjust the soil pH to be slightly alkaline, around 7.0, for optimal growth.
RepottingClematis Winter Beauty should generally be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container to encourage growth and prevent root crowding.
Humidity & MistingClematis Winter Beauty thrives in average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations beyond standard outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide good light and support for climbing, water well.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade; provide support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty', commonly known as Winter Beauty clematis, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which takes place under favorable conditions of moisture and warmth. The seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with a small number of leaves. As the plants mature, they enter a vigorous vegetative growth stage, climbing and twining with the help of leaf petioles that act as tendrils. Following the vegetative stage, Winter Beauty clematis enters the flowering stage, typically in late winter to early spring, producing creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers that bring garden interest during the colder months. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruiting bodies that release seeds, ensuring the continuation of the plant's lifecycle. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy, mainly during the heat of summer, to conserve energy for the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
Clematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty', commonly known as Winter Beauty Clematis, is often propagated by semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. To do this, select a healthy section of stem that has some new growth but is starting to firm up. Cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), just below a leaf node, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring good contact between the cutting and the soil. The pot should then be placed in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity. Rooting typically takes several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions before planting out the following spring.
