Clematis Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' Fretwell (T)
ABOUT
Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' Fretwell (T) is a strikingly beautiful flowering plant that exhibits a lush display of red flowers. The blooms are deeply saturated with a rich, ruby-red hue that makes them particularly eye-catching. These flowers are large and typically have a rounded, open shape with several layers of petals that give them a full and opulent appearance. The petals themselves possess a velvety texture that adds to the luxurious feel of the plant. At the center of each bloom, a spray of contrasting stamens, often a lighter color, such as creamy white or pale yellow, protrudes, adding depth and dimension to the flowers. This heart of stamens creates an alluring focal point that draws the eye and emphasizes the color and form of the petals. The plant's foliage provides a lush backdrop to the flowers. The leaves are generally bright green, which creates a pleasing contrast with the deep red flowers and enhances their vibrancy. The leaves are divided into leaflets that have a smooth to slightly toothed edge, giving the plant an elegant and somewhat delicate texture. The foliage can be quite dense, forming a rich tapestry of green that covers the supporting structure. Overall, Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' Fretwell (T) is a plant that exudes sophistication and charm through its dazzling flowers and lush foliage, making it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and color to gardens and outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Clematis, Leather Flower, Traveller's Joy, Old Man's Beard, Vase Vine, Virgin's Bower.
Common names
Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' Fretwell (T)
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Ruby Wedding', can be toxic if ingested. It contains compounds known as glycosides, which in high enough doses can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms may progress to mouth ulcers, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some individuals. It is important not to consume any part of the plant and to wash hands thoroughly after handling.
To pets
For pets, clematis, which includes the 'Ruby Wedding' variety, is considered toxic. The plant contains irritant glycosides that can cause symptoms in animals such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, pets might exhibit signs of excessive drooling, agitation, or difficulty breathing. It is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' Fretwell (T) adds aesthetic beauty to gardens with its rich, ruby-red flowers.
- Vertical Interest: This clematis is a great choice for creating vertical interest in the garden as it climbs up trellises, arbors, and fences.
- Seasonal Color: It blooms from mid to late summer, providing vibrant color when many other plants have faded.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Space Efficiency: Being a climber, it's ideal for small gardens or spaces where ground area is limited but vertical space is available.
- Versatility: Suitable for container planting or direct planting in the garden, offering flexibility in garden design and use.
- Maintenance: Once established, it requires relatively low maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Compatibility: It can be paired with other plants to create dynamic displays, such as growing alongside roses or through shrubs.
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 art of bonsai for those looking for a flowering vine to shape and control in miniature form; 'Ruby Wedding' can add a touch of purple-red color to these tiny landscapes.
- The twining nature of clematis makes it suitable for training into living wreaths or garden arches, adding an aesthetic and natural element to gardens and outdoor events.
- Due to its climbing ability, clematis can be used to create natural privacy screens on balconies or patios, by guiding their growth on trellises or supports.
- 'Ruby Wedding' can be used as a living curtain by planting it alongside a window where it can climb on installed wires, offering both beauty and slight shade during the flowering season.
- The vibrant blooms can serve as a stunning backdrop for photographing small objects or as a colorful contrast in macro photography.
- Crafting enthusiasts may use dried clematis vines to create natural, woven crafts such as baskets, decorations, or even jewelry, benefitting from their flexible yet sturdy nature.
- Entomology enthusiasts might use clematis in their garden to attract and study various pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the plant's nectar-rich flowers.
- Gardeners can use the 'Ruby Wedding' variety to teach principles of pruning and training climbing plants, as it is a good example due to its vigorous growth and response to pruning.
- During its off-season, the intricate seed heads of clematis can be sprayed with metallic or glitter sprays to create unique holiday decorations or components in floral arrangements.
- In textile dyeing, the pigments of clematis blossoms could potentially be used to yield natural dyes for fabrics, though this is an experimental and less common application.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Intelligence and Ingenuity: Clematis plants are often associated with mental prowess due to their intricate and clever ways of climbing and supporting themselves.
- Spiritual Quest: The upward growth habit of the Clematis can symbolize a person's journey towards spiritual enlightenment or the seeking of higher planes of existence.
- Beauty and Artistry: With its stunning blooms, the Clematis often represents the appreciation of beauty and creative expression.
- Enduring Love: The name 'Ruby Wedding' suggests a connection to the symbol of a 40th wedding anniversary, representing a long-lasting and deep love.
WaterFor a Clematis 'Ruby Wedding', also known simply as clematis, maintain consistent moisture during the growing season but avoid overwatering. The plant should be watered about once a week with about one gallon of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It’s important to water deeply to encourage root growth, which means the water should reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy and requires less moisture.
LightClematis 'Ruby Wedding' thrives in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant's base and roots should be shaded while the leaves and flowers are exposed to sunlight. This can be achieved by planting lower-growing plants around the clematis or providing a mulch to protect the root zone. A north or south facing spot where the plant can receive about 6 hours of sunlight a day is perfect for healthy growth and flowering.
TemperatureThe clematis 'Ruby Wedding' prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a maximum temperature of about 95°F and a minimum temperature down to about 20°F; however, extreme temperatures can stress the plant. Protecting the clematis from harsh winter conditions with mulch or a covering can help ensure it survives colder temperatures.
PruningPruning clematis 'Ruby Wedding' is essential to promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. This plant is classified as Group 2, which means light pruning in late winter or early spring is recommended to remove any dead or weak stems. Deadheading after the first bloom encourages a second round of flowers. The best time to prune is just after the blooming phase, focusing on shaping the plant and maintaining size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis 'Ruby Wedding', commonly known as Clematis, requires a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter. The best soil mix can be achieved by blending garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite or grit to improve drainage. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingClematis 'Ruby Wedding' should be repotted every 2-3 years. It's important to refresh the soil and provide a larger pot if the plant has outgrown its current one to ensure adequate room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingClematis 'Ruby Wedding' grows best in outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally provided by the environment. It does not require specific humidity conditions when planted in the ground, thus typical outdoor humidity levels are suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Clematis needs bright light, cool temp., and good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support for climbing, enrich soil, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Clematis 'Ruby Wedding', a type of flowering vine, begins with seed germination, which requires stratification to mimic natural conditions that break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the initial growth of roots and shoots until the plant establishes itself. The vegetative stage sees rapid growth of the vine, with the development of leaves and stems as it climbs toward sunlight. During the flowering stage in summer, the Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' produces its distinctive deep red blossoms that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. After pollination, the plant may enter the reproductive stage, producing fruits and seeds which, once matured, are disseminated by wind or animals, completing the cycle. In many gardens, however, propagation is often achieved through cuttings or layering to maintain cultivar characteristics.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' Fretwell, commonly known as Clematis, is typically propagated through layering. This method involves bending a low-growing, flexible stem towards the ground and covering a portion of it with soil, leaving the last 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) exposed. Over a period, which can vary from a few months to a year, the buried part of the stem develops roots. Once rooted, this new plant can be separated from the parent and transplanted elsewhere. This form of vegetative propagation is advantageous because it tends to preserve the characteristics of the particular cultivar, ensuring that the new plants are true to type.
