Clematis Clematis 'Ruby' (A)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Ruby' is a captivating and ornamental vine known for its striking flowers. The plant is characterized by its profusion of blooms, which bring a splash of color to gardens and landscapes. The flowers of Clematis 'Ruby' are particularly noteworthy for their rich, ruby-red hue. Each flower is composed of several petal-like segments that are broad and slightly overlapping, giving them a full and lush appearance. The centers of the flowers typically feature a contrasting puff of golden-yellow stamens, which adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the plant. The foliage of Clematis 'Ruby' consists of dark green leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop for the flowers. The leaves have a gentle sheen and a leathery texture, with a shape that may vary from simple and lanceolate to more complex and divided forms depending on the maturity of the vine. The vine itself is vigorous, with a twining habit that enables it to climb with the assistance of a support structure, such as a trellis, arbor, or fence. Throughout the blooming season, the plant can become heavily laden with flowers, creating an impressive display that is beloved by gardeners and admired by passersby. The enchanting appearance of Clematis 'Ruby' makes it a popular choice for adding vertical interest and a burst of vivid color to outdoor spaces without referring to the plant's specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Ruby Clematis, Red Clematis
Common names
Clematis 'Ruby'
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Ruby', contains toxic compounds known as protoanemonins, which can cause adverse reactions if any part of the plant is ingested or if the sap comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Symptoms of clematis poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, skin contact with the sap can lead to dermatitis or local skin irritation.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, clematis is also toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting clematis may lead to ataxia or tremors. The toxic principle in the plant stems from the compound protoanemonin, which can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract of animals who consume parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (1 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clematis 'Ruby' adds visual interest to gardens with its deep red or ruby-colored flowers, enhancing landscape design.
- Vertical Gardening: This climbing plant can be used to cover walls, trellises, or arbors, maximizing garden space in small areas.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal blooms typically in late spring to early summer, contributing to year-round garden attractiveness.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Easy Propagation: Clematis 'Ruby' can be easily propagated from cuttings or layering, allowing gardeners to create more plants for use in different locations.
- Variety in Use: Suitable for container planting as well as in-ground cultivation, offering flexibility in garden design and plant placement.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on fences or trellises, it can act as a natural privacy screen, subtly dividing spaces within the garden.
- Shade Provision: Its foliage and dense growth can provide light shade, creating a cooler microclimate or shelter for other shade-loving plants beneath it.
- Companion Planting: Can be paired with other plants like roses or perennials for companion planting, beneficial in creating diverse and dynamic garden displays.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis plants can be used in creative eco-friendly art projects, such as living sculptures, due to their climbing nature and lush foliage.
- As a natural dye source, the petals of some Clematis varieties may be used to tint fabrics or papers in crafting projects.
- Clematis vines can provide a natural screen for privacy in gardens or on patios when grown on trellises or fences.
- Incorporated into floral arrangements, Clematis adds a touch of elegance and can serve as a long-lasting cut flower if properly cared for.
- The vine's woody stems can be fashioned into small items such as wreaths or other decorative elements, especially when intertwining various colors.
- Used in educational settings, Clematis can be a subject for botanical studies focusing on plant growth habits and climbing mechanisms.
- Its rapid growth makes it a candidate for use in garden rehabilitation or rewilding projects to quickly cover unsightly areas.
- Clematis stems can be used to create natural supports for other plants in the garden, offering stability to weaker-stemmed plant companions.
- Grown over pergolas, Clematis provides dappled shade which can be enjoyed during warmer months.
- In photography or painting, the vibrant flowers of the Clematis can serve as an inspiring muse for artists appreciating natural beauty.
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 varieties, including the 'Ruby', are often associated with cleverness and intellectual prowess, as their twisting, and climbing nature can be seen as a metaphor for navigating complex thoughts.
- Ingenuity: The resourcefulness of the clematis to find support and climb surfaces symbolizes human ingenuity and the ability to use one's environment creatively to thrive.
- Aspiration: With its climbing habit, the clematis symbolizes striving for higher attainment and reaching for one's goals, much like the vine reaches for the sun.
- Beauty and Art: The lush flowers of the 'Ruby' clematis represent appreciation for beauty and are often interpreted as a symbol of artistic inspiration and aesthetic pleasure.
- Spiritual Exploration: In some cultural contexts, the growth pattern of clematis is seen as a symbol for spiritual journey and the soul's quest for truth.
WaterClematis Ruby, which is commonly known as clematis, should be watered thoroughly once a week with approximately one gallon of water per watering session. During hot spells or in particularly dry climates, the frequency may increase to twice per week. The soil should become moist but not waterlogged; avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliage diseases. In the fall and winter months, reduce the amount of water as the plant goes into dormancy. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightThe best light conditions for a clematis include a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the roots can stay cool, perhaps shaded by low plants or mulch, but where the foliage and flowers can bask in at least six hours of sunlight daily. Avoid placing clematis in deep shade as it will hinder blooming and potentially foster fungal diseases.
TemperatureClematis thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F, which are ideal for promoting healthy growth and abundant blooms. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, but extreme cold can damage or kill the vine. Clematis prefers a consistent temperature range without sudden swings and is hardy enough to withstand a typical U.S. winter with adequate protection.
PruningClematis should be pruned to encourage vigorous growth and optimize flowering. Prune clematis in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing any dead or weak stems. Depending on the blooming time, some clematis varieties require more specific pruning: early bloomers should be lightly pruned after flowering, while late-season bloomers can be cut back more severely. The best time to prune is when the vine is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Clematis 'Ruby', commonly known as Clematis, thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5 to 7.5). A good mix would be equal parts of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure or perlite to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching helps maintain moisture and temperature stability.
RepottingClematis 'Ruby' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot. This routine ensures adequate space for root growth and replenishment of nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingClematis plants prefer a moderate level of humidity. Average room humidity is generally sufficient, but it's important to protect them from the dry air caused by heating systems in winter.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure support for climbing.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, provide support for climbing, mulch roots.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Clematis 'Ruby', commonly known as Ruby Clematis, begins with seed germination, where the plant establishes its roots and shoots. Following germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, developing a robust stem system and foliage. The clematis then progresses to the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, producing vibrant, ruby-red flowers. After pollination, the plant produces fruits known as achenes, which mature and disperse seeds for the next generation. Over winter, Ruby Clematis may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is a perennial and will re-emerge from its root system in the spring. Pruning is often done in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Ruby', commonly known as Clematis, can be propagated by several methods, but the most popular one is through softwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing and the stems are green and flexible. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem that has at least two sets of leaves, cut it just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top set of leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and placed in a location with indirect light and maintained at a consistent humidity level, often by covering the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Clematis plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
