Tube Clematis Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra' (H)
ABOUT
Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra', commonly known as Tube Clematis, is a distinctive plant that bears a resemblance to the classic vines of the Clematis genus, yet it exhibits individual traits that set it apart. The plant is characterized by its attractive foliage, which stands out with a deep green hue and comprised of compound leaves that create a textured appearance. Each leaflet is oval to lance-shaped, adding to the overall lushness of the plant. From mid to late summer, the Tube Clematis becomes particularly striking due to its showy flowers. The blossoms are nodding, bell- or tube-shaped, with a deep blue to purple coloration that makes them stand out against the green foliage. These are small to medium in size. The flowers are arranged in clusters, which gives a fuller and more impactful floral display. As the season progresses, the plant produces fluffy, plume-like seed heads that are visually intriguing and provide extended interest even after the blooming period has finished. The seed heads have a silvery, feathery quality that contrasts nicely with the darker tones of the leaves, making them a decorative element in the garden well into the fall. Overall, the Tube Clematis 'Cassandra' is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its striking foliage, charming flowers, and visually pleasing seed heads that combined offer a long season of interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Tube Clematis, Cassandra Clematis
Common names
Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra' is Tube Clematis. Tube Clematis is considered toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort. Symptoms of poisoning from Tube Clematis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, salivation, headaches, and dizziness. The most common consequence of ingesting any part of the plant is usually mild and can include the aforementioned gastrointestinal upset and discomfort.
To pets
The common name of Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra' is Tube Clematis. Tube Clematis is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Pets that ingest this plant can exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation. The toxins found in Tube Clematis can cause gastrointestinal upset and possible complications such as dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant and to seek veterinary attention if they do.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clematis 'Cassandra' is appreciated for its beautiful blue or purplish flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant is known to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Versatility: This variety of Clematis can be used in various garden settings, including borders, trellises, and as ground cover, offering diverse landscaping options.
- Long Blooming Period: Clematis 'Cassandra' has a long flowering period, typically from late summer to early autumn, providing extended visual interest.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its compact and bushy growth habit makes it appropriate for smaller gardens or areas with limited space.
- Deciduous Nature: As a deciduous plant, it offers seasonal interest, with foliage changing throughout the year before dying back in winter.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra' can be used for trellis and arbor decoration in gardens, providing a backdrop of lush foliage and vibrant colors as it climbs structures.
- The vine can be trained to form a dense privacy screen on fences or balcony railings, offering a natural way to obscure unwanted views.
- Dried stems and flowers of the plant can be used in the creation of intricate botanical arrangements and wreaths for indoor aesthetics.
- Its leaves can be used as an addition to compost piles, contributing green matter that helps to balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
- The plant could be used in educational settings as a subject for botanical studies, illustrating climbing mechanisms and flowering habits.
- Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra' might be incorporated into landscape design to stabilize slopes or banks and prevent soil erosion with its root system.
- The plant, when placed strategically in a garden, can provide shade and cooler areas which can help in reducing local ambient temperatures during hot seasons.
- Artists and photographers may utilize the vibrant blooms as a natural subject or backdrop for various forms of art and photography.
- Its climbing nature makes it suitable to wrap around unsightly elements in the garden, such as old stumps or decaying fences, camouflaging them with greenery.
- The plant can be part of butterfly gardens or pollinator-friendly landscapes, as it attracts insects beneficial for the ecosystem with its blossoms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis are often associated with intelligence and the ability to think clearly due to their intricate and deliberate growth patterns.
- Creativity: The complex structure of the Clematis blooms can represent creativity and the blossoming of new ideas.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: The climbing nature of this plant may symbolize a striving towards higher understanding and spiritual growth.
- Beauty: With its attractive flowers, Clematis is also a symbol of beauty and the aesthetic pleasures in life.
- Resilience: As Clematis can thrive in challenging conditions and climb over obstacles, they are often seen as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
WaterTube Clematis, as Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra' is commonly known, should be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil around the plant remains moist but not waterlogged. In general, water every week with about 1 gallon per plant during the growing season, adjusting frequency based on weather conditions, with less water needed during rainy periods or cooler weather. During hot, dry spells, watering twice a week may be necessary. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant. Over winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture during its dormancy.
LightTube Clematis thrives in a location that offers full sun to partial shade, with the ideal scenario being morning sun and afternoon shade. It should be planted where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureTube Clematis prefers a temperate climate and performs best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from frost, which can damage the plant. During the hot summer months, providing some afternoon shade can help keep temperatures around the plant within its desired range.
PruningPruning is essential for maintaining vigor and promoting blooms in Tube Clematis. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's growth to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground to stimulate new growth and flowering. Prune regularly to remove dead or weak stems and to shape the plant, especially after the main flowering period to encourage a second flush of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Tubulosa Clematis (Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra') should be well-drained, with plenty of organic matter added, like compost or well-rotted manure. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0 is best for this plant.
RepottingTubulosa Clematis should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container, typically in the early spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingTubulosa Clematis thrives best in average garden humidity levels; it does not require any special humidity conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area; water regularly but avoid over-watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with support for climbing; mulch and water.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra', commonly known as Tube Clematis, begins its life as a seed which requires a period of cold stratification for germination. Upon germination in spring, the seedling emerges and establishes a small root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it develops into a bushy, herbaceous perennial with strong stems that do not cling like other clematis vines. Throughout late summer, 'Cassandra' produces clusters of tubular, blue-purple flowers which are followed by fluffy, ornamental seed heads in fall. As winter approaches, the plant dies back to the ground and undergoes a period of dormancy. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the plant regrows from its crown, continuing its life cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Propogation: Clematis heracleifolia 'Cassandra', commonly known as tube clematis, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the latter part of summer or early autumn. To successfully propagate tube clematis using this method, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several sets of leaves is taken from a healthy plant. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that several nodes where the leaves were removed are below the surface. The pot is kept in a warm, humid environment but not in direct sunlight, and the soil is kept consistently moist. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.
