Clematis Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' (EL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' is an enchanting climbing vine known for its large and showy flowers. The blooms are bountiful and distinct with their bi-colored petals. Each flower typically consists of six to eight petals, with the base color being a pastel or vibrant pink. Adding to its charm, a striking central bar in a deeper magenta or purple hue stretches along each petal. These bars provide a dramatic contrast that catches the eye and enhances the flower’s overall beauty. The flowers exhibit a rounded shape and display a pleasing symmetry. At the center of each bloom, a cluster of pale yellow to cream-colored stamens adds a delicate touch, with their slender filaments topped by anthers that carry the pollen. As the plant matures throughout the blooming season, the flowers can change in intensity and depth of color, offering a dynamic display. The foliage of Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' complements the florals with its green leaves that possess a glossy sheen. The leaves are usually compound, with each leaflet showcasing a pointed oval shape and lightly serrated edges. These leaves provide a lush backdrop for the flowers, enhancing the impact of the bright blooms. Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel', as a climber, is often found embracing trellises, arbors, or fences, using its leaf stalks to grasp onto structures for support. The plant's ability to climb and leap towards the sun allows the vibrant blossoms to be displayed prominently, making it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add vertical interest and floral abundance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Doctor Ruppel Clematis, Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel'.
Common names
Clematis 'Dr. Ruppel', Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the 'Doctor Ruppel' variety, is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain protoanemonin, which is released from glycoside ranunculin when the plant tissue is damaged. If ingested, the plant can cause mouth pain, salivation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some instances, skin contact with the sap may cause dermatitis. It is advised to handle Clematis with care and to avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these potential symptoms.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Doctor Ruppel' variety, is also toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If ingested, pets might experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth ulcers due to the irritant effects of protoanemonin present in the plant. It is important for pet owners to ensure that pets do not chew on or ingest any part of Clematis due to its toxic nature.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' is known for its large, striking flowers with vibrant pink petals striped with a darker pink down the center, adding visual interest to gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer and often has a second flush of flowers in late summer, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.
- Vertical Gardening: This variety of Clematis is a climber, making it ideal for vertical gardening. It can be used to cover walls, trellises, arbors, or fences, maximizing space in small gardens.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of the Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' attract bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem by providing a source of nectar for these beneficial insects.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers or in the ground, offering flexibility in garden design and making it suitable for both large gardens and smaller spaces like balconies or patios.
- Easy Pruning: Classified as Pruning Group 2, Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' has fairly easy pruning guidelines, requiring light pruning to remove dead foliage and to shape the plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dyeing: The crushed leaves and petals of Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' can provide a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of soft green to yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Fragrance Extraction: Although not as common as other fragrant plants, the Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' has a subtle fragrance that can be used in the making of perfumes or scented oils.
- Sachets and Potpourri: Dried flowers and leaves of the plant can be added to sachets and potpourri mixes to impart a light floral scent to linens and drawers.
- Photographic Subject: The vivid colors and striking appearance of Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' make it a popular subject for photographers and artists who want to capture the beauty of nature.
- Wedding Decor: Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' can be used in wedding bouquets or as part of the décor, thanks to its appealing colors and large, decorative flowers.
- Edible Flowers: Although not widely consumed, the petals of Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts.
- Garden Art: The vine's ability to climb and intertwine itself allows gardeners to use it in shaping garden structures like topiaries or living walls.
- Educational Tool: Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' is sometimes used in schools and educational programs to teach about plant growth habits and pollination.
- Floral Arrangements: Its long stems and large blooms make the Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' a striking addition to fresh floral arrangements and centerpieces.
- Crafts: Pressed flowers of the Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' can be used in craft projects such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or encapsulated in resin jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ingenuity: Clematis varieties, including 'Doctor Ruppel', often represent cleverness and mental agility due to their intricate and intelligent climbing abilities.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its strikingly patterned petals, 'Doctor Ruppel' symbolizes creativity and the muse for artists.
- Perseverance: The clematis vine's ability to cling and climb over obstacles is a symbol of perseverance and determination.
WaterThe clematis, commonly known as 'Doctor Ruppel', prefers a consistent moisture level with well-draining soil, so it should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering the plant with about 1 gallon of water once a week, but this frequency should be increased during hot, dry periods to perhaps twice a week. It is vital not to overwater, as clematis does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. In the growing season, a deep watering that reaches the roots is preferable to frequent, shallow waterings.
LightThe 'Doctor Ruppel' clematis thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter regions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where its roots are shaded, either by other plants or a mulch layer, but the flowering vines can climb into the sunlight.
Temperature'Doctor Ruppel' clematis does well in a range of temperatures, tolerating a minimum of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and thriving in temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions for this plant are daytime temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and cooler nights. However, it is a hardy plant that can withstand winter chills down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit once established.
PruningPruning 'Doctor Ruppel' clematis is essential both for the plant's health and to control its shape and size. This clematis should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring when the buds show green, removing any dead or weak stems and cutting just above a set of strong buds. Additionally, after the first round of blooms, you can deadhead or lightly prune the plant to encourage a second flush of flowers. An annual pruning regimen will ensure the plant's vigor and promote robust flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel', which is commonly known as Clematis, should be well-draining, fertile, and moisture-retentive. A mixture of loamy soil with compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. The soil pH should ideally fall within a range of 6.0 to 7.0, ensuring that it is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingClematis 'Doctor Ruppel' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to promote healthy growth. It's best to repot in early spring before the new growth starts, using a slightly larger pot to accommodate root development.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Doctor Ruppel' prefers average humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments. Good air circulation is important to prevent diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure adequate sunlight, cool roots, and prune as needed.
Outdoor
Plant in sun-partial shade, mulch roots, and ensure sturdy support.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Doctor Ruppel' (also known as Early Large-flowered Clematis) begins its life cycle as a dormant plant with a hardy root system in late winter or early spring. Once the temperatures rise and conditions become favorable, new shoots emerge from the base of the plant or from existing woody stems, initiating the growth stage. The plant then enters a vigorous vegetative phase, producing climbing vines and large leaves that enable it to photosynthesize and grow rapidly. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, where it showcases its distinctive striped pink and pale lavender blooms, attracting pollinators. After the flowering stage, the plant may produce fluffy, plume-like seed heads if pollination is successful. Finally, as the growing season comes to an end and colder temperatures approach, Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' enters dormancy, with above-ground parts dying back, to begin the cycle anew the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel', commonly known as clematis, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This technique is best performed in early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem that is at least 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters) and has a few sets of leaves. Cut just below a pair of leaves using a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears. Remove the lower sets of leaves to expose the nodes, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring the exposed nodes are buried. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, partially shaded area until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks.
