Clematis

For the township in Australia, see Clematis, Victoria. For the film, see Traveller's Joy.
Clematis
Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Subfamily: Ranunculoideae
Tribe: Anemoneae
Genus: Clematis
L.[1]
Species

See text.

Synonyms

Atragene L.
Coriflora Weber
Viorna Rchb.[1]

Clematis[pronunciation note 1] is a genus of about 300 species[6] within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids have been popular among gardeners,[7] beginning with Clematis × jackmanii, a garden standby since 1862; more hybrid cultivars are being produced constantly. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin. Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, a name invented for the sole British native, C. vitalba, by the herbalist John Gerard; virgin's bower for C. viticella; old man's beard, applied to several with prominent seedheads; leather flower for those with fleshy petals; or vase vine for the North American Clematis viorna.

Etymology

The genus name is from Ancient Greek clématis, ("a climbing plant"). Over 250 species and cultivars are known, often named for their originators or particular characteristics.

Botany

The genus is composed of mostly vigorous, woody, climbing vines / lianas. The woody stems are quite fragile until several years old.[7] Leaves are opposite and divided into leaflets and leafstalks that twist and curl around supporting structures to anchor the plant as it climbs.[7] Some species are shrubby, while others, like C. recta, are herbaceous perennial plants. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen. They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun.[8]

Clematis species are mainly found throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, rarely in the tropics. Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the willow beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).

The timing and location of flowers varies; spring-blooming clematis flower on side shoots of the previous year's stems, summer/fall blooming clematis bloom only on the ends of new stems, and twice-flowering clematis do both.[7]

Species

Large, dark purple clematis flower with white finger stamens in sunlight
Purple clematis
Clematis armandii
Clematis 'Multi Blue'
Clematis florida
C. montana
Flowers of C. vitalba
Seed heads of C. vitalba growing in a hedge, showing why it is known colloquially as "old man's beard"
Fruits of C. dioica in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A partial list of species:

Formerly placed here

Subdivisions

One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis, so it is not surprising that taxonomists and gardeners subdivide the genus. Several classification systems exist.

Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections.[18] Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera (Clematis, Cheiropsis, Flammula, Archiclematis, Campanella, Atragene, Tubulosae, Pseudanemone, Viorna), several with sections and subsections within them.[19] Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between these two systems; for example, all of Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson. Alternatively, John Howell defined twelve groups: the Evergreen, Alpina, Macropetala, Montana, Rockery, Early Large-Flowered, Late Large-Flowered, Herbaceous, Viticella, Texensis, Orientalis, and Late Mixed groups.[20] Thorncroft Clematis, published their catalogue of 2000 with 8 subdivisions of clematis which was refined by 2006 to 16, those being Armandii, Atragene, Cirrhosa, Diversifolia, Flammula, Florida, Forsteri, Heracleifolia, Integrifolia, Montana, Tangutica, Texensis, Viticella, Early Large Flowered, Late Large Flowered and Species. For the most part the gardening public can understand these groups easily and yet this grouping system also offers enough diversity to divide clematis into meaningful groups for classification purposes. The RHS published its International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002 which acknowledges Wim Snoeijer of The Netherlands as the proposer of some of these new groups and he also influenced Thorncroft Clematis in the way their subdivisions were established.

Many of the most popular garden forms are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger-flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, or wall-mounted trellises, or to grow through companion plants. These forms normally have large 12–15 cm diameter upward-facing flowers and are believed to involve crosses of C. patens, C. lanuginosa, and C. viticella.[21] Early-season, large-flowering forms such as 'Nelly Moser' tend towards the natural flowering habit of C. patens or C. lanuginosa while later-flowering forms such as ×jackmanii are nearer in habit to C. viticella.

Garden history

The wild Clematis species native to China made their way into Japanese gardens by the 17th century. Japanese garden selections were the first exotic clematises to reach European gardens, in the 18th century, long before the Chinese species were identified in their native habitat at the end of the 19th century.[22]

After it arrived in Europe, it acquired several meanings during the Victorian era, famous for its nuanced flower symbolism. It came to symbolize both mental beauty and art as well as poverty. [23]

Cultivation

The climbing varieties are valued for their ability to scramble up walls, fences, and other structures, and also to grow through other plants, such as shrubs and trees. Some can be trained along the ground to provide cover. Because of their adaptability and masses of spectacular flowers, clematis are among the most popular of all garden plants. Many choice and rare cultivars are to be had from mail order and online catalogues. Specialists regularly put on displays in national flower shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show. In theory, it is possible to have a clematis in flower at any time throughout the year. Many varieties provide a second period of interest with a flush of flowers, or decorative seed heads.

They will grow in any good garden soil. The roots usually require a moist, cool substrate, while the herbage can take full sun. Some more delicate cultivars such as 'Nelly Moser' do better in light shade. Many clematis can be grown successfully in containers.[24][25]

Pruning

The pruning regime for a cultivated clematis falls into three categories:

Cultivars

Over 80 varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[28]

In the Atragene group are woody deciduous climbers with bell-shaped flowers in spring, produced on the last year’s growth. These include 'Markham’s Pink', a pale pink breed.[29]

In the early large-flowered group, which flower on the last year’s growth, are:

In the Clematis integrifolia group (or Integrifolia group) are non- or semiclimbing plants that flower on the current year's growth. These include the violet-pink 'Arabella'.[36]

In the late large-flowered group, which flower on the current year's growth, are:

In the Clematis montana group (or Montana group) are vigorous climbers that flower in spring, such as:

In the Clematis viticella group (or Viticella group) are compact deciduous climbers with small flowers produced on the current year’s growth, such as:

Other breeds include:

Horticultural classification[49][50]

This follows the classification adopted by V. Matthews in The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002, except that C. ispahanica, now considered to have been included in error, has been omitted from the list of parent species in Tangutica Group.

Use and toxicity

The European species did not enter into the herbalists' pharmacopeia.[51] In the American Old West, the Western white clematis, Clematis ligusticifolia, was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers, who took a tip from Spanish colonials and used seeds and the acrid leaves of yerba de chivato as a pepper substitute.[52] The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. C. ligusticifolia is essentially toxic. When pruning them, it is a good idea to wear gloves. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[53] Clematis is also a constituent of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Leaf extracts from two Ethiopian species (Clematis longicauda steud ex A. Rich. and Clematis burgensis Engl.) are used locally to treat ear disorders and eczema. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from both of these species showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.[54] The extracts of these plants also possess wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities which could also be attributed to the phytoconstituents.[55]

Clematis has been listed as one of the 38 plants used to prepare Bach flower remedies,[56] a kind of alternative medicine promoted for its effect on health. However, according to Cancer Research UK, "there is no scientific evidence to prove that flower remedies can control, cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer".[57]

Pests and diseases

Clematis species are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Clematis wilt, a stem rot caused by the fungus Phoma clematidina, causes dramatic wilting and death of whole branches, although many species are resistant to it.[58] Other pests and diseases include powdery mildew, viruses, slugs and snails, scale insects, aphids, earwigs, and green flower disease, which is usually caused by infection with a phytoplasma, a type of bacterium.[59]

References

  1. 1 2 "Genus: Clematis L.". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2000-12-20. Retrieved 2011-02-02.
  2. 1 2 3 "How Do You Say & Spell Clematis?" ClematisQueen.com. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Clematis". Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  4. "Clematis". Cambridge Dictionaries Online. 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  5. Sunset Western Garden Book. 1995. pp. 606–7.
  6. There are more wild species of clematis even than of roses", Alice M. Coats remarks in Garden Shrubs and Their Histories (1964) 1992, s.v. "Clematis".
  7. 1 2 3 4 Bender, Steve, ed. (January 2004). "Clematis". The Southern Living Garden Book (2nd ed.). Birmingham, Alabama: Oxmoor House. pp. 250–2. ISBN 0-376-03910-8.
  8. Hillier Nurseries, The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs, David and Charles, 1998, p723 ISBN 0-7153-0808-4
  9. "Clematis aristata R.Br. ex Ker Gawl.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  10. "Clematis fawcettii F.Muell.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  11. "Clematis glycinoides DC.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  12. "Clematis leptophylla (F.Muell. ex Benth.) H.Eichler". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  13. "Clematis microphylla DC.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  14. "Clematis pickeringii A.Gray". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  15. Hyland, B. P. M.; Whiffin, T.; Zich, F. A.; et al. (Dec 2010). "Factsheet – Clematis pickeringii". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. Edition 6.1, online version [RFK 6.1]. Cairns, Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), through its Division of Plant Industry; the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research; the Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  16. Clematis ternifolia, Annie's Annuals.
  17. Naravelia zeylanica. GRIN.
  18. Johnson, Magnus (2001). The Genus Clematis. Magnus Johnson Plantskola AB.
  19. Grey-Wilson, Christopher (2000). Clematis: The Genus: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners, Horticulturists and Botanists. Timber Press.
  20. Howell's 12 Groups
  21. Evison, Raymond J. (1998). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Clematis. Timber Press/David and Charles.
  22. Coats (1964) 1992.
  23. "Language of Flowers - Flower Meanings, Flower Sentiments". www.languageofflowers.com. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  24. Lloyd, Christopher (1989). Clematis. United Kingdom: Viking. p. 232. ISBN 0670802336.
  25. Grey-Wilson, Christopher (2002). Clematis the genus. United Kingdom: Batsford. p. 219. ISBN 0713487267.
  26. Chesshire, C. (1999). Clematis (RHS practicals). United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0751347264.
  27. http://www.britishclematis.org.uk/pruning.htm
  28. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=97
  29. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=473
  30. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=439
  31. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=476
  32. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=478
  33. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=485
  34. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=486
  35. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=498
  36. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=452
  37. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=469
  38. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=489
  39. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=490
  40. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=4686
  41. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=479
  42. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=482
  43. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=444
  44. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=455
  45. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=475
  46. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=503
  47. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=491
  48. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=508
  49. RHS ISHS ICRA clematis
  50. Clematis Register RHS
  51. Of the native European C. vitalba Alice Coats observes "The leaves are acrid and poisonous, and not even the early herbalists attempted to use the plant in internal medicine", but she notes that John Gerard called Clematis flammula biting clematis or purging periwinkle. (Coats 1992).
  52. US Native Plant Database Clematis ligusticifolia
  53. Tilford, Gregory L. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. ISBN 0-87842-359-1.
  54. Hawaze S, Deti H, Suleman S. 2012. In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of clematis species indigenous to Ethiopia. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 74:29-35.
  55. Hawaze S, Deti H, Suleman S. 2013. Wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of Clematis species indigenous to Ethiopia. International Journal of Green Pharmacy 7:304-308.
  56. D. S. Vohra (1 June 2004). Bach Flower Remedies: A Comprehensive Study. B. Jain Publishers. p. 3. ISBN 978-81-7021-271-3. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  57. "Flower remedies". Cancer Research UK. Retrieved September 2013. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  58. Howells, J., Choosing your Clematis, Garden Art Press, 2003, pp115-116 ISBN 1-870673-47-6
  59. Buczacki, S. and Harris, K., Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Garden Plants, HarperCollins, 1998, p65 ISBN 0-00-220063-5

Notes

  1. The standard pronunciation of clematis is considered to be /ˈklɛmətɪs/ (KLEM-ə-tiss).[2][3][4][5] Other pronunciations include /kləˈmætɪs/ (kləm-AT-iss)[2] and, particularly in the UK, /kləˈmtɪs/ (klə-MAY-tiss).[2][3]

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Clematis.
Wikispecies has information related to: Clematis
Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Clematis.
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