Clematis Zara Clematis Zara = 'Evipo062' (PBR) (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis Zara is a captivating plant that showcases a lovely display of flowers. Its blossoms are a soft, powder blue hue and have an elegant form, often comprised of six to eight petals that unfurl beautifully around a center of creamy stamens. The petal edges have a subtle wave, adding to their grace. This clematis variety blooms prolifically, covering the plant in a sea of color that's both soothing and eye-catching. The foliage of Clematis Zara is a rich green, providing the perfect backdrop for the flowers. Each leaf is comprised of smaller leaflets, which are arranged in a way that gives the plant an overall lush, full appearance. The plant climbs and sprawls, making it an excellent choice for embellishing trellises, arbors, or fences with its floral charm. As the seasons progress, the flowers may give way to fluffy seed heads that add a different textural element to the plant. Overall, Clematis Zara is a delightful and ornamental plant that brings a serene beauty to any garden space.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis Zara, Evison's Zara Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Zara' = 'Evipo062' (PBR) (EL)
- Toxicity
To humans
Clematis, including the cultivar 'Zara,' can be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. Although cases of severe poisoning are rare, ingestion of the plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Skin contact with the sap may cause dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
Clematis, such as 'Zara,' is also toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause similar symptoms to those seen in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and possibly mouth ulcers. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms, so it is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a clematis plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pale blue
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: Clematis Zara brings bees and butterflies to the garden, promoting biodiversity and helping to pollinate other plants.
- Ornamental value: With its attractive pale lavender-blue flowers, it adds beauty and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Compact growth: Suitable for small gardens and containers due to its compact growth habit, making it versatile in terms of placement.
- Climbing ability: As a climbing plant, it can be trained along trellises, fences, and arbors, providing vertical interest.
- Long blooming period: Offers a long season of bloom from late spring to early fall, providing a sustained display of color.
- Easy to care for: Relatively low maintenance requirements make it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Versatile uses: Can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, containers, or as a ground cover when left to sprawl.
- Hardy plant: Demonstrates good resistance to common clematis diseases, enhancing its longevity and performance in the garden.
- Enhances privacy: When used as a screen on fences or trellises, it can contribute to increased privacy in outdoor spaces.
- Year-round interest: In addition to flowering, it provides seasonal interest with its foliage and, in some climates, attractive seed heads.
- 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
- Clematis Zara can be used as a natural dye; the petals may provide subtle shades of color for fabrics or art projects.
- The long, flexible vines of clematis can be woven into baskets or decorative items, utilizing their natural strength and pliability.
- When dried and treated, the vines can also be used for making homemade furniture or trellis structures in the garden.
- The blossoms of Clematis Zara can be used to adorn cakes or desserts as edible flowers, giving a touch of elegance and subtle flavor.
- Clematis can be trained to grow over frames to create natural, living privacy screens or garden dividers.
- The plant's foliage can be used as a green backdrop in floral arrangements to enhance the colors of other flowers.
- Petals of the clematis can be pressed and included in handmade paper to add texture and visual interest.
- Use clematis blooms to create a natural potpourri, combining it with other dried flowers and herbs to create a pleasant scent blend.
- During festive seasons, clematis can be incorporated into wreaths and other decorations for a touch of natural beauty.
- Clematis Zara’s seed heads can be used in dried flower arrangements, providing an interesting and unique textural element.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Ingenuity: Clematis, known as the "queen of the vines," symbolizes cleverness and intellectual endeavors because of its ability to climb and adapt to its surroundings.
- Mental Beauty: The blooms of the Clematis represent the beauty of the mind, correlating to the intricate and attractive nature of a deep thinker's thoughts.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant's ability to grow in various directions reflects an artist's creative spirit, suggesting that it can inspire artistic expression.
- Water
Clematis Zara should be watered thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, possibly twice a week depending on weather conditions. Use approximately one gallon of water for each watering session to ensure deep soil penetration, which encourages healthy root development. During the winter, reduce watering to when the soil feels dry to the touch to prevent root rot. Always water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Light
Clematis Zara thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should get at least six hours of sunlight per day, but some afternoon shade can help protect the plant in hotter climates. The best spot for the plant is where it can get bright morning light with some shelter from the intense midday sun, which may cause stress to the plant.
- Temperature
Clematis Zara performs well in a range of temperatures and is quite adaptable. It prefers an average temperature range of 60°F to 75°F but can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. The plant is resilient against frost, but optimal growth occurs within the warmer end of its temperature tolerance. Ensure it is shielded from extreme cold by providing adequate mulch or shelter during winter months.
- Pruning
Regular pruning helps Clematis Zara maintain a tidy appearance and encourages vigorous blooming. Clematis Zara should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It falls under pruning Group 3, which means it can be cut back to about 12 inches from the ground, as it flowers on the current year's growth. Prune annually to promote healthy new stems and an abundance of blooms.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Clematis Zara prefers well-drained, moist soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 7.0. For best results, mix garden soil with compost and a handful of lime to adjust pH if necessary. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Repotting
Clematis Zara should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container, to ensure sufficient space for root growth and to refresh the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
Clematis Zara thrives in average garden humidity conditions; it does not require especially high humidity.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool feet, and a support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade with roots shaded and support to climb.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Clematis Zara, commonly known as Zara Clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed or more frequently from a cutting, which when planted, germinates and establishes roots. The plant then enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, producing long climbing vines and leaves in the first year, where it requires support to climb. In the second and subsequent years, the Zara Clematis starts to mature and its growth rate decreases slightly as it prepares for flowering. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer with pale blue to mauve petals, attracting pollinators and potentially setting seeds if conditions are favorable. After the flowering period, the plant enters a phase of senescence in the autumn where leaves might yellow and drop, but the stem and root system typically remain viable, entering dormancy over the winter. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the perennial nature of the Zara Clematis initiates new growth from the established root system, repeating its growth and bloom cycle year after year.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis Zara, a cultivar of the Clematis genus, is commonly propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking a section of a healthy stem from the parent plant, ideally during the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The cutting, about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, should include at least two sets of leaves or nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, with the node buried beneath the soil surface. The pot is kept moist and in a warm location with indirect light until roots have developed, generally within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.