Clematis Rouge Cardinal Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' (LL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' is a captivating flowering vine known for its large, velvety flowers. Its blossoms are a rich crimson-red, often with brighter red bar in the middle of the petals and cream-colored stamens in the center, creating a striking contrast. The flowers are composed of four to six broad petals, with a plush appearance that significantly adds to the plant's ornamental value. The foliage of Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' is equally appealing, comprising bright green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The leaves are divided into leaflets, each with a slightly toothed edge, adding to its textured look. This plant tends to climb and sprawl, showcasing its flowers prominently, making it a popular choice for trellises, arbors, and garden walls where its showy blooms can be displayed to full effect.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Crimson Clematis, Red Clematis, Cardinal Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' is Clematis. Clematis plants are known to contain toxic compounds that can cause unpleasant symptoms if ingested. They contain an irritant called protoanemonin, which can cause mouth ulcers, digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact with the sap can also result in dermatitis or skin irritation for some individuals. Therefore, it's essential to handle Clematis with care and ensure that its parts are not ingested to avoid these potential health issues.
To pets
The common name for Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal' is Clematis. Clematis is toxic to pets and contains irritants known as glycosides. If a pet ingests any part of a Clematis plant, they can experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to weakness, tremors, or seizures. It's important for pet owners to keep Clematis out of reach of their animals and seek veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant red flowers.
- Versatility: Can be grown on trellises, fences, walls, or through other plants, fitting various garden designs.
- Growth Habit: Has a climbing nature that can cover unsightly structures or create vertical accents.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a splash of color during its blooming period in summer and early fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, enhancing biodiversity.
- Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels, making it suitable for many gardens.
- Privacy: When grown on structures, it can act as a natural privacy screen.
- Shade Creation: Can offer shade when grown over pergolas or arbors.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in colder climates, increasing its range of cultivation.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
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 to create a natural dye for fabric and yarn, with 'Rouge Cardinal' possibly producing a subtle mauve or purple due to its deep red flowers.
- The vines of Clematis can be woven into small homemade baskets or decorative objects after they've been properly treated to increase their flexibility.
- Pressing the flowers of the 'Rouge Cardinal' Clematis in a flower press can yield beautiful decorations for homemade cards or bookmarks.
- Fallen Clematis petals can be incorporated into candles to add a unique floral appearance and a hint of natural fragrance to the wax.
- Use the sturdy vines of Clematis to create natural supports or trellises for other plants in your garden, taking advantage of their strength and longevity.
- The vine's branches can be shaped and dried to form rustic wreaths or wall hangings, especially attractive when the vines still carry their seed heads.
- A living fence can be fashioned by training Clematis vines along a series of posts or a wire frame, providing a privacy screen that changes with the seasons.
- Artists can use the textured leaves and vines of Clematis for botanical printmaking or nature-inspired art pieces.
- Clematis leaves can be used as a natural mulch to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, recycling garden trimmings efficiently.
- When pruned, the flexible young shoots of Clematis can be used as natural twine or string for garden-related tasks or crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: The Clematis is often associated with intellectual pursuits and the ability to navigate complex thoughts, much like the vine weaves through structures.
- Ingeniousness: Its propensity to find its way around obstacles and to grow in diverse conditions symbolizes cleverness and the ability to solve problems creatively.
- Artistic Inspiration: The beautiful blooms of the Clematis can symbolize inspiration and are often a muse for artists and creatives.
- Aspiration and Determination: As a climbing plant, Clematis embodies the drive to reach new heights literally and metaphorically, representing ambition and perseverance.
- Spiritual Ascension: Its upward growth is sometimes seen as a symbol for spiritual journey and the pursuit of higher states of consciousness.
WaterClematis 'Rouge Cardinal', also known as Crimson Clematis, requires consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It is best to water this plant with about 1 gallon per week during the active growing season, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler, wetter weather, less frequent watering may be necessary. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. During winter, reduce watering to just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely, as the plant's water needs will decrease.
LightCrimson Clematis thrives best in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily but is protected from the intense midday sun. A spot that provides morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, is ideal. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this will reduce flowering.
TemperatureThe Crimson Clematis prefers a temperate climate and grows best in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, but for optimal growth and flowering, avoid exposing it to temperatures above 90°F for extended periods.
PruningPruning Crimson Clematis encourages robust growth and bountiful blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. This plant is in pruning group 3, meaning it flowers on the current year's growth, so cut back all of last year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 1 foot above ground level. Pruning should be done annually to maintain plant vigor and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRouge Cardinal Clematis thrives best in a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix with good fertility. A blend of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure with a pH ranging from slightly alkaline to slightly acidic (pH 6.5 to 7.5) is ideal for this vine.
RepottingThe Rouge Cardinal Clematis, being a perennial vine, doesn't require frequent repotting and typically only needs to be repotted if it outgrows its current container or every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingRouge Cardinal Clematis prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the range of humidity conditions typically found in garden settings without needing any special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, cool roots and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with cool, shaded roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis 'Rouge Cardinal', commonly known as 'Rouge Cardinal' Clematis, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or small potted specimen. After planting in well-draining soil and a partially shaded to sunny location, it starts its annual growth cycle in early spring, sending up shoots that rapidly elongate and climb, using leaf petioles as tendrils. Throughout the late spring to early summer, this clematis blooms, producing large, velvety, deep crimson flowers that are a key feature of this cultivar. Post flowering, seed heads may form, adding ornamental interest even as the petals fade. In the late summer or fall, growth slows down, and the plant prepares for dormancy; the above-ground portion dies back with the onset of colder temperatures, though the root system remains viable. With the return of warmer weather the following spring, the cycle begins anew as new shoots emerge from the base, and the plant continues to mature, often reaching up to several meters in height with proper support over several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The ideal time to propagate the Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal', commonly known as Rouge Cardinal Clematis, is in late winter to early spring before the plant begins to actively grow. One of the most popular methods of propagation is through softwood cuttings. This involves taking a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy part of the plant, preferably from the current year’s growth. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist but not waterlogged, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the plastic can be removed and the new plant gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.
