Durand's Clematis Clematis × durandii
ABOUT
The Durand clematis is a striking flowering plant known for its stunning blooms. The flowers are the centerpiece of this plant's appearance, displaying a rich indigo to blue-violet hue. Each bloom features six broad, velvety petals that taper elegantly to a point, giving them a star-like quality. The petal texture contrasts beautifully against the center of the flower, which showcases a prominent tuft of creamy stamen, offering an attractive visual contrast that draws the eye. Between flowering seasons, the Durand clematis showcases lush green foliage. The leaves typically take on a bright green color and consist of multiple leaflets, which provide a dense and vibrant backdrop for the flowers. These leaves are arranged along the plant's climbing stems, giving the entire plant a full and flourishing look when both in and out of bloom. Overall, the plant exudes a romantic and wild appearance, commonly used in garden designs to provide vertical interest. Its beautiful blooms and heart-shaped leaves make it a favored choice for trellises and garden supports, contributing both color and texture to any planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Durand's Clematis, Indigo Clematis, Blue Clematis.
Common names
Clematis × durandii
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety Clematis × durandii, contains compounds that can be harmful if ingested. These plants contain a toxin called protoanemonin, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, can lead to complications such as salivation, convulsions, or even paralysis. Touching the plant can sometimes result in skin irritation or dermatitis for sensitive individuals. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant, as even small amounts can cause unpleasant symptoms.
To pets
Clematis, including the variety Clematis × durandii, is also toxic to pets. The plant contains protoanemonin, which can cause similar symptoms in animals as it does in humans if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, or even paralysis. As with humans, all parts of the plant are considered toxic and should be kept out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Garden origin
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis × durandii, commonly known as Durand's Clematis, is known for its striking indigo blue flowers which can greatly enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which can help in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Vertical Interest: Durand's Clematis is a climbing plant, which can be used to add vertical interest to gardens, covering walls, trellises, or fences.
- Space Management: Due to its climbing nature, it can be an excellent choice for gardens with limited horizontal space, making use of vertical surfaces instead.
- Ease of Care: This particular clematis is known to be relatively easy to care for, requiring only regular watering, pruning and support to thrive, which can be ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Color: It provides seasonal color and can be a source of visual pleasure from late spring to early autumn.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Durand's Clematis can be used in a variety of landscape designs, from cottage gardens to more formal arrangements.
- Cultural Significance: Clematis plants often have cultural significance and are commonly used in ornamental gardening traditions around the world.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Durand's Clematis can be used as a natural dye source, where different parts of the plant, including the flowers and leaves, can provide varying shades of color to textiles and crafts.
- It can serve as inspiration for artists and designers due to its striking indigo blooms, leading to its incorporation into various patterns and artworks.
- Its long, flexible vines can be woven into wreaths, garden sculptures, or trellis supports, providing a rustic and natural touch to garden decor.
- Gardeners could use the plant to create living privacy screens or green curtains by training the vine over suitable frameworks.
- The blossoms can be used as a natural confetti or as part of a biodegradable mix for outdoor celebrations.
- Educational purposes, such as in botany classes, where Durand's Clematis can be used to demonstrate climbing plant mechanisms and pollinator attraction strategies.
- Photographers might make use of the plant as a subject for exploring color contrast and composition in natural light photography.
- In crafting, the seed heads, which are fluffy and ornamental, can be used to add texture and visual interest to dried flower arrangements.
- As part of a sustainable garden practice, the vine can be used in companion planting to assist in shading more delicate plants that require filtered sunlight.
- Creative culinary individuals have used the petals of dedicated edible varieties in salads, but this use demands caution and thorough knowledge of the specific plant's edibility.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDurand's Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDurand's Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis × durandii, often simply referred to as Clematis, is associated with intellectual pursuits and creativity, symbolizing the ability to think clearly and navigate complex ideas.
- Ingeniousness: The plant's intricate climbing nature and wide variety of forms symbolize innovative thinking and the skill to overcome challenges through clever problem solving.
- Traveler’s Joy: Clematis is sometimes known by this common name and symbolizes the joy and anticipation of embarking on a new journey, reflecting personal growth and exploration.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its strikingly beautiful flowers, the Clematis is often associated with artists and creative individuals, representing the flow of imagination and the inspiration found in natural beauty.
WaterDurand's Clematis should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil environment, especially during the growing season. It is best to water this plant once a week with roughly one gallon of water, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage proper root growth. During hot or dry spells, you may need to increase the frequency to twice per week, monitoring the soil moisture level to avoid overwatering. In winter, water less frequently, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely, as the plant is dormant during this period. Always ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
LightDurand's Clematis thrives in situations where it receives full sun to partial shade. The optimal spot for planting it would be an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, these plants do benefit from having their roots kept cool and shaded, so consider planting them where the base will be covered by other low-growing plants or mulch.
TemperatureDurand's Clematis prefers temperate conditions and can typically tolerate temperatures from 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 45 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds which can damage the plant.
PruningDurand's Clematis benefits from pruning to stimulate growth and enhance flowering. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or weak stems to maintain a healthy and manageable size. This cultivar blooms on new growth, so cutting back some of the previous year's stems will encourage new shoots and more flowers. The best time for a more extensive prune is after the danger of frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDurand's Clematis thrives in a well-draining soil mix with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDurand's Clematis, a vigorous climber, typically doesn't require frequent repotting; do so every 3-4 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingDurand's Clematis prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure strong support, bright indirect light, and cool roots for indoor Durand's Clematis.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with roots shaded and ample climbing support for outdoor Durand's Clematis.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDurand's Clematis (Clematis × durandii) starts its life cycle with the germination of a seed, usually in spring under favorable temperature and moisture conditions. Following germination, it moves into a period of vegetative growth, where it develops a root system and vine-like stems with leaves. The plant then undergoes vernalization, a process that prepares it for flowering through exposure to the cooling temperatures of winter or by reaching a certain age if in a warm climate. Flowering typically occurs in summer, showcasing its striking indigo blue flowers, and is followed by pollination, which can be aided by insects attracted to its nectar. After successful pollination, the plant will produce fruits called achenes, each bearing a plume-like structure that helps in wind dispersal. The cycle is completed as these fruits release seeds into the environment, beginning the next generation of plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Durandii', a climbing plant known for its striking indigo-blue flowers, is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness, typically performed in spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a gardener selects a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cuts a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section, ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, with the remaining set of leaves above the soil surface. The pot is placed in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight, and the soil is kept consistently moist until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting out in its final location.
