Estonian Clematis Clematis 'Rahvarinne' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Rahvarinne', commonly known as the 'Traveler's Joy', is a stunning climbing vine that is widely appreciated for its ornamental value. This particular variety showcases a striking display of large, vibrant blooms that draw the eye. The flowers have a lush, velvety texture and appear in a deep, rich shade of purple. They are composed of multiple overlapping petals that encircle a prominent cluster of contrasting, creamy-yellow stamen in the center, giving the flowers a dramatic, showy appearance. The blooms stand out against the plant's backdrop of green foliage. The leaves are typically divided into leaflets that spread out in a distinctive array, creating a lacy pattern against the supporting structure, whether it be a trellis, wall, or other vertical surfaces that the vine climbs. Throughout the blooming season, the flowers continually unfurl, replacing one batch of spent blooms with fresh ones, which keeps the display looking vibrant and lively. Clematis 'Rahvarinne' has a natural grace that makes it a popular choice among gardeners wanting to add vertical interest and a touch of romance to their garden areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Estonian Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Rahvarinne' (LL)
ToxicityTo humans
The Clematis, including the 'Rahvarinne' cultivar, can be toxic to humans. If ingested, any part of the plant, especially the leaves and stems, can cause mouth irritation and severe digestive upset. The toxins may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
The Clematis, including the 'Rahvarinne' cultivar, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested, the plant can cause similar symptoms to those in humans, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible mouth and gastrointestinal irritation. It's important to keep pets away from this plant to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Rahvarinne' is known for its striking flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant can provide shelter and nectar for a range of insects, including butterflies and bees.
- Versatile Climber: This clematis is a versatile climber, able to adorn walls, trellises, and arbors, thus adding vertical interest to gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: With its blooming season generally in late spring to early summer, it offers seasonal interest and enhances garden diversity.
- Shade for Structures: When grown over structures, it can provide shade and cooling effects, which might be beneficial in reducing energy costs in the adjacent areas.
- Privacy Screen: Can create living screens that offer privacy when trained over fences or other support structures.
- Garden Design: Its ability to pair well with a variety of other plants makes it valuable for garden design, contributing to beautiful mixed borders and combinations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis can be used in the creation of natural art pieces or living sculptures; the vines can be trained around frames or structures to form intricate patterns and designs.
- The plant's vigorous growing habit makes it suitable for use as a privacy screen, able to cover fences and walls with dense foliage and blooms.
- As a thematic element in storytelling gardens, Clematis can represent various motifs or themes due to their diverse colors and forms.
- Clematis works well in educational gardens, demonstrating climbing plant mechanisms and vertical growth habits to students and enthusiasts.
- They can be used in sensory gardens; while primarily visual, the texture of their foliage and the subtle fragrance of some varieties can add to the experience.
- The adaptable nature of Clematis makes them suitable for bonsai, providing a challenge for enthusiasts looking to train the vine into miniature forms.
- Insect-friendly gardens benefit from Clematis as they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Used as a ground cover, some Clematis varieties can be trained to sprawl across the ground, creating a lush carpet of leaves and flowers.
- Clematis can be an integral part of a moon garden with varieties that have light-colored or white flowers, reflecting the moon's glow at night.
- The dried vines and seed heads of Clematis can be used in floral arrangements and crafts, offering an unusual texture and form.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis flowers are often associated with creativity and thoughtfulness. The 'Rahvarinne' variety, with its eye-catching blooms, symbolizes the ability to think quickly and adapt to new ideas.
- Artistic Inspiration: Its striking appearance is believed to inspire artists and writers, making it a symbol of artistic inspiration and imagination.
- Spiritual Quest: Due to the plant's tendency to reach upwards as it grows, clematis can symbolize one's spiritual journey or striving for higher truths.
- Beauty and Aesthetics: With its beautiful flowers, Clematis 'Rahvarinne' is commonly associated with appreciation for beauty and commonly represents the idea of bringing beauty into one's life.
- Perseverance: Clematis plants are robust and hardy, often symbolizing perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles in various cultural contexts.
WaterFor the Clematis 'Rahvarinne', commonly known as Leather Flower, it's important to maintain even soil moisture. The plant should be watered thoroughly, approximately 1 gallon per week, but this can vary based on weather conditions and soil type. In the growing season, increase watering to keep up with the clematis' active growth, especially for plants in containers, they may require watering once every few days. During the dormant season, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
LightLeather Flowers thrive in a location where they receive full sun to part shade. This means they should be planted in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, they do appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent overheating.
TemperatureClematis 'Rahvarinne' or Leather Flower performs best in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended periods below freezing can cause damage. During the hot summers, ensure the roots stay cool by mulching or providing shade, as excessive heat can stress the plant.
PruningLeather Flowers should be pruned to maintain plant health and to promote more vigorous growth. This particular clematis belongs to pruning group three, which means it flowers on the current year's growth. Prune in late winter or early spring when buds begin to swell, cutting back the previous year's growth to a set of strong buds about 1 to 2 feet off the ground. This encourages new growth and a more robust flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Clematis, also known as the Leatherleaf Clematis, should be well-draining, fertile, and moisture-retentive with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (about pH 6.0-7.0).
RepottingLeatherleaf Clematis should typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growing roots.
Humidity & MistingLeatherleaf Clematis prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; provide support; mulch root zone.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Rahvarinne', also known as Clematis, starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature. It progresses to a seedling stage, during which the plant develops its first true leaves and establishes a root system. As it enters the vegetative growth stage, the clematis develops a robust vine with multiple leaves and can begin the process of climbing, often with support. It then transitions to the flowering stage during summer or early autumn, when it produces large, often showy blossoms that can vary in color depending on the specific variety. After flowering, the clematis produces seed heads that contain the seeds for the next generation, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter, conserving energy before beginning a new growth cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Clematis 'Rahvarinne', commonly known as the Estonian Clematis, is best propagated during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for this clematis is by taking softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are tender, new growth stems that have not yet become hard or woody. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches long, ensuring it has at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cutting is planted in a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried. To enhance rooting, the base of the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting. The pot should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks.
