Clematis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clematis |
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| Clematis 'Nelly Moser' | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Ranunculoideae
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Anemoneae
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Clematis
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See text. |
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Atragene L. |
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Clematis is a group of about 300 different kinds of plants. They belong to the buttercup family. Gardeners love their special mixed types, called hybrids, for their beautiful flowers.
People have grown Clematis in gardens since 1862. New types are always being made! Most Clematis plants come from China and Japan. In English, most are called 'clematis.' Some are also known as 'traveler's joy.'
The name 'Clematis' comes from an old Greek word meaning 'a climbing plant.' There are over 250 known types. These plants are usually strong, woody vines that climb. Their woody stems are quite delicate when they are young. They grow best in cool, damp, well-drained soil with lots of sunshine.
History of Clematis in Gardens
Wild Clematis plants from China first arrived in Japanese gardens by the 1600s. These Japanese garden types were the first Clematis plants to reach Europe in the 1700s. This was long before people found the Chinese types in their natural homes in the late 1800s.
When Clematis came to Europe, it gained different meanings during the Victorian era. This time was famous for its detailed flower symbolism. Clematis came to stand for both mental beauty and art. It also sometimes symbolized poverty.
Growing Clematis Plants
Climbing Clematis plants are great because they can grow up walls, fences, and other structures. They can also climb through other plants like bushes and trees. Some can even be trained to grow along the ground to cover it. Because they are so flexible and have many amazing flowers, Clematis are very popular garden plants.
They will grow well in any good garden soil. The roots usually need to be in cool, damp ground. However, the leafy parts of the plant can handle full sun. Some more delicate types, like 'Nelly Moser,' grow better in light shade. Many Clematis plants can also be grown successfully in pots.
Images for kids
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Large, dark purple clematis flower with white finger stamens in sunlight
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Purple clematis
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Clematis armandii
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Clematis 'Multi Blue'
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Clematis florida
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C. montana
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Flowers of C. vitalba
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Seed heads of C. vitalba growing in a hedge, showing why it is known colloquially as "old man's beard"
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Achenes
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Fruits of C. dioica in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
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C. terniflora seed cluster
See also
In Spanish: Clemátide para niños
