Clematis (Clematis 'Evipo038' CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN)
Discover Clematis 'Evipo038' CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN, a compact vine for Zones 4-8, blooming violet-blue from May to September with low maintenance.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN is a stunning, compact introduction to the world of large-flowered Clematis vines. Valued for its prolific blooming period, which often spans from late spring well into early fall, this cultivar brings consistent color to vertical spaces. As a member of the widely popular Clematis genus, CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN offers large, violet-blue flowers that stand out against its dark green foliage.
This vigorous vine typically reaches heights of 6 to 8 feet, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or situations where massive vertical interest is desired without overwhelming space. It requires minimal long-term effort, categorizing it as a low-maintenance plant once established in ideal conditions. Gardeners appreciate how the large blooms showcase a unique, fountain-like center boss of feathery staminodes.
The cultural success of Clematis hinges on providing support and keeping the roots cool, making this a rewarding plant for those willing to offer structure. For a beautiful display, coordinate the placement of Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN to ensure the flowering tops receive adequate sun while the root zone remains shaded and consistently moist.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-8 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Violet blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN in fertile, well-drained soil that retains medium moisture. When establishing your vine, ensure the roots are placed in a cool, shaded location, perhaps beneath a nurse plant or perennial, while the vines themselves reach toward the available sun or part shade. Some afternoon shade is particularly beneficial in hot, humid climates.
Clematis vines are tenacious climbers but require assistance; immediately provide a trellis, arbor, or other sturdy support structure on which the twining leaf stalks can grab hold. Water needs are medium; do not allow the soil to dry out completely, especially during the growing season. A thick layer of root mulch is highly recommended to help keep the critical root zone cool and uniformly moist.
This particular variety, CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN, is classified as a Group 2 Clematis. This means it flowers on both old wood (from the previous season) and new wood. Typically, little pruning is required, but any major shaping should be done judiciously, as hard pruning can reduce or delay flowering.
Landscape Uses
Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN excels as an architectural accent in the landscape. Its compact yet sufficient height (6-8 ft) allows it to be trained easily up trellises, fences, pergolas, or even lampposts, providing vertical interest without the aggressive spread of some relatives. Although it is a large-flowered type, its relatively narrow spread (2-3 ft) keeps its footprint manageable.
This flexibility means the vine is perfect for defining entryways or adding height to mixed borders. Plant it to scramble through supporting shrubs or large perennials, allowing the violet-blue blooms to emerge naturally through the surrounding structure. Given its requirement for cool roots, gardeners often utilize smaller perennials or annuals planted directly at its base to provide the necessary shade.
This compact cleanser, Clematis, is also well-suited for large containers, provided the container is buried partially in the ground or placed where the base remains cool during peak summer heat. The dramatic, early-season blooms followed by renewed vigor in late summer make it a standout specimen plant.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clematis is a broad genus famous for its woody to semi-woody deciduous vines that climb by twining leaf stalks, though some species are herbaceous perennials or small shrubs. The cultivar ‘Evipo038’, known commercially as CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN, is a compact, early large-flowered clematis that produces 4-5 inch violet-blue flowers with a delicate, light violet central boss. It uniquely blooms first on old wood in late spring, followed by a second flush of bloom on new wood in late summer to early fall.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The primary threat to this vigorous Clematis is wilt or stem rot, which can prove fatal if not addressed. Preventative care, including ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overly wet soil conditions, is crucial for mitigating this risk. Fungal issues like powdery mildew and leaf spots can occur, especially in areas with poor air circulation.
For insect control, regularly inspect vines for common pests such as aphids, scale, and spider mites. Slugs and snails often target new growth, so preventative measures around the base are advisable, particularly during wet weather. Since CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN is pruned as Group 2, avoid harsh pruning in fall or spring to maintain healthy woody structure and maximize flower production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN suitable for?
This robust vine is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN grow?
It typically matures to a height between 6 and 8 feet, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Clematis need?
Clematis requires full sun to partial shade, though protection for the root zone is especially important in hotter locations.
When does Clematis bloom?
This Clematis cultivar offers extended blooming, typically starting in May and continuing sporadically through September, featuring violet-blue flowers.
Conclusion
The Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN offers the drama of a large-flowered clematis in a manageable, low-maintenance package perfect for the modern garden. Its dual blooming period ensures late spring and late summer color with attractive violet-blue blooms. Before planting this beautiful vine, verify your local climate matches USDA Zones 4-8 and ensure a suitable support structure is ready for its ascent.
Companion Planting
Choosing the right companions helps meet the unique cultural needs of Clematis, namely shading the roots while allowing the foliage to bask. Excellent companions are those that thrive in similar well-drained medium moisture soils and afternoon shade. Low-growing perennials such as Hostas, Heucheras (Coral Bells), or low-growing Geraniums are ideal ground covers planted near the base to provide that necessary root shade for your Clematis.
Avoid planting aggressive spreaders that compete too heavily for moisture or nutrients. Taller, well-behaved companions like ornamental grasses or climbing roses (which share similar sunlight needs) can integrate beautifully with the vertical structure of the Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN, creating layered interest without crowding the vine’s twining stems.
Pruning Considerations for Group 2
The classification of Clematis ‘Evipo038’ CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN as Group 2 dictates its pruning strategy. Group 2 vines flower on both the previous year’s growth (old wood) and on the current year’s growth (new wood). This means you should generally prune lightly, focusing only on removing dead or weak wood in early spring before new growth begins.
If you choose to prune more heavily for shape, only remove about one-third of the vine height. Cutting Group 2 vines drastically down to the ground in late fall or early spring will likely result in significantly reduced blooming or delayed flowering later in the season, as you remove the wood that would produce the first flush of flowers.
