Clematis Scarlet O'Hara Clematis × triternata 'Rubromarginata'
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Rubromarginata' is a visually striking plant with a cascading profusion of small, star-shaped flowers. The blooms possess a delicate charm with their soft pastel shades; each flower typically features a blend of creamy white petals that are gently edged with a hint of purplish-pink, giving them a subtle two-toned effect. These flowers have prominent, contrasting stamens at their center which may be a golden-yellow or sometimes cream color, adding an extra layer of interest to each bloom. Overall, the appearance of the Clematis 'Rubromarginata' is one of dainty elegance and an abundance of blossoms that create a romantic, frothy display. The foliage of this plant is also noteworthy, consisting of dark green leaves that are divided into leaflets, providing a textured backdrop for the stunning floral show. The leaves are often glossy, contributing to the overall healthful and vigorous appearance of the plant. As the seasons change, the Clematis 'Rubromarginata' continues to offer visual interest with its seed heads, which are fluffy and almost silvery in appearance, providing a contrasting texture after the blooming period has ended. In summary, the Clematis 'Rubromarginata' radiates a delicate beauty through its multitudes of pastel flowers, two-toned coloration, and elegant foliage, all culminating in a display that is both dramatic and softly alluring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Ruby Margined Clematis, Virginsbower
Common names
Clematis × triternata 'Rubromarginata'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis contains compounds that are toxic to humans. If ingested, clematis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In some cases, contact with the skin can result in redness, itching, or even a mild dermatitis. It is important to handle these plants with care and ensure that children do not ingest any part of the plant due to its toxicity.
To pets
Clematis, commonly known as Virgin's Bower, is toxic to pets. If ingested, it may cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, ataxia or seizures. It is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant, as the glycoside compounds can lead to poisoning and potentially serious health complications.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces small, star-shaped flowers with a delightful fragrance, adding aesthetic appeal to garden spaces.
- Long Blooming: Offers a lengthy flowering period, typically from mid-summer to early autumn, providing sustained visual interest.
- Climbing Habit: Its climbing nature allows it to cover trellises, arbors, and walls, maximizing vertical space in gardens.
- Versatility: Can be planted in containers or in the ground, making it suitable for a variety of garden designs and sizes.
- Ease of Care: Relatively easy to care for once established, requiring only regular pruning to maintain shape and promote blooming.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.
- Seasonal Color: Adds a burst of color with its reddish-mauve flowers edged in a paler mauve-pink, which can contrast nicely with other plants.
- Privacy: When used as a screen, it can provide privacy in garden spaces or on patios.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid plant, it can exhibit increased growth and flowering compared to some other species of clematis.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which makes it suitable for growth in various climates.
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 production of natural dyes, with different parts of the plant offering a range of colors for textile dyeing.
- In some cultures, clematis has been used as a symbol in storytelling and folklore, often representing ingenuity or mental beauty.
- The sprawling nature of clematis makes it suitable for use in living structures such as green tunnels or archways in gardens, creating natural shade and privacy.
- Due to its intricate and dense foliage, clematis is sometimes employed in the garden to provide cover for small wildlife, like birds and beneficial insects.
- Clematis vines can be used in floral arrangements to add height and texture. Their climbing habit adds a whimsical touch to large floral displays.
- The woody stems of more mature clematis plants can be utilized in basket weaving and as natural supports for other climbing plants in companion planting.
- The attractive seed heads of clematis can be collected and used in dried flower arrangements or as part of decorative displays in the home.
- Clematis plants can serve as a living curtain on balconies or patios, not just for aesthetic appeal but also to create a sense of seclusion.
- In garden design, the versatile clematis is often used as a companion plant to roses, with the contrasting textures and colors enhancing the visual appeal of garden beds.
- Educational gardens may feature clematis to help teach pruning techniques, as different varieties require different methods and times of pruning.
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: Clematis is often associated with the symbolism of mental agility and intelligence, as its climbing nature can suggest the continuous pursuit of knowledge and the aspiration to reach higher understanding.
- Creativity: This plant can represent creativity due to its diverse shapes and the intricate patterns of its flowers, symbolizing an artistic spirit and imaginative mind.
- Aspiration: The vigorous climbing habit of the clematis suggests an aspiration to reach new heights, in personal growth or spiritual advancement.
- Beauty: With its striking flowers, clematis often symbolizes beauty and the aesthetic pleasure derived from nature. This connects to the appreciation of beauty in various forms in one's life.
WaterFor Clematis 'Rubromarginata', deep watering is recommended to encourage root development. Initially, after planting, water the plant about two to three times a week to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, reduce watering to once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water each time, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, it may require more frequent watering. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water.
LightClematis 'Rubromarginata' thrives best in conditions where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. It is ideal to plant it in a location that offers some shade during the hottest part of the day to protect it from intense afternoon sun, which can be achieved by strategic planting near shrubs or structures that provide dappled shade.
TemperatureClematis 'Rubromarginata' grows well in a temperature range between 45°F and 70°F. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from harsh, freezing winds. During extreme summer heat above 90°F, providing some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent overheating.
PruningPruning Clematis 'Rubromarginata' encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooming. Light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. It benefits from a more thorough pruning after the first bloom to shape the vine and promote a second flowering period. The best time for major pruning is after the end of the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis 'Rubromarginata' thrives in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH close to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.5. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, well-rotted manure, and a handful of granular fertilizer can create the ideal environment for this vigorous climber.
RepottingClematis 'Rubromarginata' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. If the plant outgrows its current pot or the soil becomes depleted, it's time to repot into a larger container with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Rubromarginata' prefers moderate humidity levels, typically around 50-70%. They do not require the high humidity levels that some more tropical plants might, allowing them to thrive outdoors in temperate climates as well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure strong light, support for climbing, and moist, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Provide sun, partial shade, support for climbing, and moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleClematis × triternata 'Rubromarginata', commonly known as clematis, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown in the soil, germinates given adequate warmth and moisture. Once germination occurs, the seedling emerges and develops its first true leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where the plant increases in size and produces more leaves and stems. As the clematis matures, it enters the flowering stage, wherein it develops buds that bloom into fragrant flowers with purple-pink margins, typically in the summer. After pollination, often by bees and other insects, the flowers give way to seed heads, which contain the seeds for the next generation. As the growing season ends, the clematis may enter a dormant period, especially in colder climates, where it conserves energy by dropping leaves and slowing down growth. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the plant breaks dormancy, resuming vegetative growth and preparing for another cycle of blooming.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Clematis × triternata 'Rubromarginata', commonly known as Virginsbower, is typically propagated through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, a popular method carried out in late spring or early summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy piece of stem about 4 to 6 inches (around 10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cutting should have at least two sets of leaves and be taken just below a node, the point on the stem where leaves are attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut surface may be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix, keeping the humidity high and the soil consistently moist. In a few weeks, with proper care, which includes keeping them warm and shaded from direct sunlight, the cuttings can develop their own root system and be ready for transplanting.
