Clematis Clematis 'Ramona' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Ramona' is a captivating climbing plant, known for its striking flowers. This variety showcases large, showy blooms which are typically a lush, deep lavender-blue shade. The flowers boast a slightly ruffled, classic clematis form with each petal radiating outwards to create an impressive star shape. In the center, contrasting cream or yellowish stamens form a delicate tuft, adding to the visual appeal. The leaves of Clematis 'Ramona' are equally attractive, presenting as medium to dark green, often with a glossy finish. These leaves are compound, with several leaflets per leaf group, which gracefully climb and intertwine with supporting structures, giving the plant its vine-like habit. Throughout the blooming period, which spans from late spring into early autumn, this clematis variety can become a focal point in any garden, with its cascade of abundant, vibrant flowers. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a vertical element to their outdoor spaces, often using trellises, arbors, or fences for the plant to climb on. The enchanting presence of Clematis 'Ramona' brings a romantic atmosphere to any setting where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Leatherflower, Clematis, Virgin's Bower.
Common names
Clematis 'Ramona' (LL)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the cultivar 'Ramona', can be toxic to humans if ingested. They contain compounds that can cause digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Ingesting large amounts of the plant can lead to more serious symptoms, including salivation, dehydration, and in severe cases, convulsions or paralysis. It is recommended to handle Clematis with care and ensure that children do not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
Clematis, including the cultivar 'Ramona', is also toxic to pets. Animals that consume parts of the plant may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, mouth ulcers. The glycoside constituents found in Clematis can lead to severe digestive upset and may require veterinary attention if a significant amount is ingested. Pet owners should prevent access to this plant to avoid any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Ramona' offers large, striking flowers which can add considerable aesthetic interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatile Gardening: It can be used for vertical gardening by climbing up trellises, walls, and fences, enhancing the use of vertical space.
- Seasonal Color: With its bloom time typically in late spring to early summer, it provides a splash of color when many other plants are not yet in full display.
- Biodiversity: Clematis 'Ramona' can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Easy Pruning: Pruning group 2 clematis like 'Ramona' is simple since they flower on both old and new wood, giving them a prolonged period of interest and an easy care schedule.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of garden situations where other sun-loving plants might not thrive.
- Doubles as Groundcover: When not provided with a structure to climb, it can also serve as a groundcover, providing an attractive foliage blanket over garden beds.
- Long-lived Perennial: Once established, Clematis 'Ramona' is a long-lived perennial, offering a lasting feature in the garden for many years.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Ramona' can be used in the art of flower pressing, where its large, attractive blooms can create visually appealing dried flower arrangements.
- The flexible vines of the Clematis can be woven into small wreaths or decorative shapes for crafts and home decor.
- With their long stems, these flowers can be included in botanical dye projects to impart subtle natural colors to fabrics.
- The Clematis' vine growth habit can be used in creating living walls or privacy screens in outdoor areas.
- As a climbing plant, Clematis can be trained to grow over unsightly fences or structures, improving the aesthetic of an otherwise unattractive space.
- Date photographers sometimes use Clematis' rich blooms as a backdrop for photoshoots, providing a romantic setting.
- Garden educators can use Clematis 'Ramona' as a teaching tool to demonstrate pruning techniques for climbing plants.
- Its fast growth can be utilized in restoring vegetative cover in areas where temporary greenery is desired for events or public gatherings.
- Landscapers may use Clematis as a living cover for topiaries, allowing the vines to climb and drape over structured forms.
- Beekeepers sometimes include Clematis 'Ramona' in garden designs to attract pollinators and improve the health of bee colonies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis signifies mental agility due to its ability to climb and adapt to its surroundings, symbolically representing the mind's versatility and creativity.
- Aspiration: The upward growth of Clematis can be seen as a metaphor for reaching higher goals and aspirations in life.
- Ingenuity: The plant's resourcefulness in finding paths to climb signals ingenuity, encouraging innovative thinking and resourcefulness in individuals.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its showy flowers, Clematis is often associated with artistic inspiration and the beauty of creative expression.
- Travel and Exploration: The climbing nature of Clematis can also be symbolic of a journey, suggesting a spirit of adventure and the desire to explore new territories.
WaterThe Clematis, commonly known as 'Ramona' Clematis, should be watered thoroughly, with the soil being allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Typically, this plant will benefit from receiving about 1 inch of water each week, which can be provided through rainfall or manual watering. The ideal method is to water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth, avoiding overhead watering which can lead to fungal diseases. During the growing season, increase watering to twice a week if conditions are particularly dry or hot. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering.
Light'Ramona' Clematis thrives in a spot that receives full to partial sunlight, with the roots shaded from the intense heat of the midday sun. Ideally, the top of the plant should get at least six hours of sunlight daily while the base benefits from some shade, which can be provided by low-growing shrubs or a mulch covering. East or south-facing locations typically offer the optimal light conditions for vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureThe 'Ramona' Clematis is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best in environments where the temperatures range between 68°F to 75°F. It can withstand winter temperatures down to about 20°F but may require protection if temperatures drop significantly below this. The plant will enter a dormant state during winter when temperatures consistently fall below 50°F.
PruningPruning is essential for 'Ramona' Clematis to encourage healthy growth and flowering. It is best to prune this plant in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or weak stems. 'Ramona' belongs to Pruning Group 3, which means it flowers on the current year's growth; thus, it can be pruned back to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground. This type of pruning helps promote a more robust plant with vigorous blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Ramona' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix might include equal parts of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or a balanced commercial potting mix with added perlite. Mulching helps to keep the roots cool and moist.
RepottingClematis 'Ramona' typically needs repotting every two to three years. The best time to repot is in late winter or early spring before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Ramona' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to most outdoor environments as long as the roots are kept cool and moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool root zone, and ample support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, mulch roots, provide support as climber.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Clematis 'Ramona' begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are suitable. The seedling starts to develop a root system and a single shoot that grows upward, working to establish itself by forming several leaves to photosynthesize and gather energy. As the plant matures, it enters its vegetative stage, developing a woody vine that climbs using tendrils, and it can rapidly grow several feet in one season given proper support and care. During the blooming period, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces large, showy lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators and may rebloom in late summer if the spent flowers are pruned. After pollination, the plant sets seed in the form of fluffy seed heads, which disperse to start the next generation of plants. During the dormant season in late fall and winter, the Clematis 'Ramona' dies back to the woody vine, conserving energy to restart the cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Clematis 'Ramona', a stunning flowering vine, is by layering, typically performed in late winter or early spring, just before the plant resumes active growth. To propagate by layering, a healthy, pliable stem is bent to the ground and a portion is buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant. The buried section should be wounded slightly by making a small cut to expose the inner tissue, encouraging the formation of roots. The area in contact with the soil can be secured with a u-shaped pin or a heavy stone to keep it in place, and the soil should be kept moist to facilitate rooting. After a few months, once the stem has sufficiently rooted, it can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to the desired location. This method uses the natural ability of the Clematis vine to root from its stems, making it a gentle and effective way to create a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent.
