Roko Kolla Clematis Clematis 'Roko-kolla' (LL)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Roko-kolla' is a visually striking vine known for its abundant flowering. It produces large, velvet-like flowers that can come in a variety of shades though commonly in vibrant purples, blues, or magentas. Each flower is composed of several pointed petals that overlap, creating a star-like pattern. At the center of each bloom is a tuft of contrasting stamen, typically a creamy yellow or white, which adds to the plant's ornamental appeal. The leaves of Clematis 'Roko-kolla' are green and divided into leaflets, which are often arranged in pairs along the stem. The foliage can have a slightly glossy texture that complements the luminous quality of the flowers. As a climbing plant, Clematis 'Roko-kolla' displays a twining growth habit, with stems that wrap around structures or other plants for support. The tendrils of the plant can climb up trellises, fences, or arbors, making it an ideal candidate for vertical gardening and adding height to garden spaces without taking up a significant footprint on the ground. Throughout its blooming season, Clematis 'Roko-kolla' can be a prolific flowerer, and when in full bloom, the plant can be so covered in blossoms that the foliage becomes almost completely obscured, creating a stunning floral display. The contrast of the vibrant flowers against the backdrop of green leaves creates a dramatic visual impact that can be an eye-catching feature in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Rock Collar Clematis, Roko Kolla Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Roko-kolla' (LL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Roko-kolla', can be toxic if ingested. The plant contains irritant glycosides which can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Digestion of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion may result in internal bleeding or organ damage. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Clematis, which applies to the 'Roko-kolla' variety, is toxic to pets as well. If ingested by animals such as dogs or cats, it can cause similar symptoms as in humans, including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities may lead to more serious issues like salivation, ataxia, tremors or seizures. It is advisable to seek veterinary care if a pet consumes any part of a clematis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Roko-kolla' provides visual interest due to its showy flowers and can serve as a focal point in gardens.
- Versatility: This plant can be trained to climb fences, trellises, and walls, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Garden Ecosystem Support: Its blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers changing visual interest across the seasons, from flowering to seed head formation.
- Privacy Screening: When grown along fences or trellises, it can create privacy screens for outdoor spaces.
- Cultural Significance: Clematis has various symbolic meanings in different cultures, which can add a layer of personal or cultural significance when planted in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Roko-kolla' can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing various shades of yellow, green, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- The vine's flexible stems can be woven into baskets or other forms of natural craft by hobbyists who appreciate using organic materials.
- Gardeners sometimes use the dried stems of the Clematis 'Roko-kolla' to create natural trellises or supports for other climbing plants.
- The seed heads of 'Roko-kolla' have a fluffy, silken appearance and are used in dried floral arrangements for an attractive textural contrast.
- Its vigorous climbing nature makes Clematis 'Roko-kolla' suitable for covering unsightly structures like walls or fences, deployed in landscape design.
- The distinctive flowers can be used as a model or inspiration for botanical artists and illustrators due to their intricate structure and color.
- Clematis 'Roko-kolla' vines can be trained to grow over arbors or pergolas, providing shade and a visual canopy in garden sitting areas.
- In photography, Clematis flowers are a popular subject for macro photography due to their depth and stunning variety of forms.
- Plant enthusiasts sometimes use the seeds of Clematis 'Roko-kolla' in seed swapping circles to promote biodiversity and share their passion for unique cultivars.
- The plant can be used in educational settings for botany students to study the anatomy of a flowering vine and understand climbing mechanisms.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui"The Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice."
Zodiac Sign Compitability"The Clematis is not used in astrology practice."
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis plants often symbolize mental agility due to their intricate and intelligent way they climb and support themselves.
- Creativity: The variety of forms and colors of clematis blooms represent creativity, inspiring artists and thinkers alike.
- Aspiration: With its vines reaching upwards, clematis is commonly associated with aspiration and striving for higher goals.
- Spiritual Pursuit: In some cultures, the climbing nature of clematis is seen as a metaphor for spiritual ascension and pursuit of enlightenment.
- Beauty: The stunning flowers of the clematis plant symbolize natural beauty and adornment, reflecting the aesthetic pleasures of life.
WaterThe Clematis, commonly known as the Leatherflower, requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Ideally, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water to thoroughly soak the root zone. During hot, dry periods, water twice a week. Avoid shallow watering, as it does not reach the deeper roots. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not saturated. Over the course of a month, a mature Leatherflower will typically require around 4 to 8 gallons of water, depending on weather conditions.
LightLeatherflowers thrive in a location where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. They perform best when the roots are kept cool and shaded, while the foliage and flowering parts have access to ample sunlight. The ideal spot for a Leatherflower is therefore one with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day to protect the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureThe Leatherflower prefers temperate climates and fares well in areas with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -30°F for brief periods but may suffer damage at such extremes. Ideally, provide a stable environment where temperatures do not frequently drop below freezing to ensure the best growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Leatherflowers promotes healthy growth and flowering. Prune early-flowering clematis right after they bloom in late spring or early summer, removing weak or dead stems. Late-flowering varieties should be pruned in late winter or early spring, cutting the plant back to 12 to 18 inches above ground level. This encourages strong new growth and a robust bloom. Prune annually to maintain shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix for the Queen of the Vines would consist of equal parts garden soil, compost, well-rotted manure, and a handful of bone meal to encourage strong root development.
RepottingQueen of the Vines should typically be repotted every two to three years to prevent becoming root-bound. Early spring is the best time to repot, just before the new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingQueen of the Vines prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable. Ensure that the plant is not in a location that is too dry, particularly during the growth period.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, support for climbing, and prune after blooming.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, provide support for climbing, mulch soil base.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Roko-kolla', commonly known as the Roko-kolla Clematis, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring after stratification. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a basic root system and initial leaves. As it matures, the plant enters a rapid vegetative growth phase, producing climbing stems and compound leaves to obtain sunlight and space. During late spring to summer, the Roko-kolla Clematis transitions to the flowering stage, producing distinctive, large, often colorful flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruiting bodies containing seeds, which are dispersed by wind or animals. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in winter, when growth slows or ceases, and it may die back to the ground only to regrow from its perennial root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Clematis 'Roko-kolla', commonly known as the Clematis, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in the spring when new growth is about 4 to 6 inches long. A gardener would cut a section of the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node, where a leaf bud is present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. It's crucial to maintain the soil's moisture until the cutting has rooted well, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
