Clematis Clematis 'Ruby Wedding NLP2' (EL)
ABOUT
The Clematis 'Ruby Wedding NLP2' (EL) is characterized by its stunning blooms that possess a rich, deep ruby red hue, drawing the eye with their luxurious, velvety appearance. These flowers are medium to large in size, making a bold statement in the garden. The petals are beautifully shaped, tapering to a point, and often display a slightly ruffled edge, adding to their visual texture. At the center of each bloom, a tuft of creamy yellow stamens creates a striking contrast against the dark red petals, highlighting the heart of the flower and providing an attractive point of interest for pollinators and garden admirers alike. The leaves of the Clematis 'Ruby Wedding NLP2' (EL) are bright green, providing a fresh backdrop for the dramatic flowers. Their form is compound, with individual leaflets arranged in a pattern that adds to the overall lushness of the plant's foliage. As the leaves cluster along the plant's climbing stems, they create a verdant tapestry that can quickly cover structures like trellises, arbors, or walls, giving the impression of a living curtain of greenery interspersed with the jewel-toned flowers. Overall, the Clematis 'Ruby Wedding NLP2' (EL) presents itself as a regal and ornate plant, with a profusion of stunning blooms that add a sense of romance and elegance to any space. Its ability to climb and adapt to various supports also makes it a versatile addition to the garden, suitable for creating vertical accents and enlivening otherwise plain surfaces with its rich, colorful displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Clematis 'Ruby Wedding', Ruby Wedding Clematis.
Common names
Clematis 'Ruby Wedding NLP2' (EL).
ToxicityTo humans
Clematis, including the variety 'Ruby Wedding' (often categorized under Early Large-flowered clematis), is known for its potential toxicity to humans. If ingested, parts of the clematis plant can cause severe digestive upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In some cases, the ingestion can lead to more serious health complications such as internal bleeding or organ damage if consumed in large quantities. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals due to its glycoside content.
To pets
Clematis, including the 'Ruby Wedding' variety, is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The ingestion of any part of the plant can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, like vomiting, hypersalivation, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingesting clematis can also lead to ataxia (loss of coordination), weakness, or even convulsions. As with humans, the plant's glycoside content is the main cause of toxicity, and pets showing symptoms of clematis poisoning should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' offers striking flowers that add aesthetic value to any garden.
- Vertical Interest: This climbing plant can grow up walls, trellises, or arbors, adding height and structure to garden designs.
- Seasonal Color: With blooms in the growing season, it provides vibrant color when many other plants may not be flowering.
- Ease of Growth: Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' is known for being easy to grow and care for, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Space Efficiency: As a climber, it takes up minimal ground space, which is ideal for small gardens or densely planted areas.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other garden plants, allowing for creative and complementary garden compositions.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant's flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Extended Blooming Period: Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' has a long flowering period, which keeps gardens looking lively for longer.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' can be grown in containers and used as a decorative feature on balconies and patios where garden space is limited.
- The plant can be trained over fences, walls, or garden structures to provide a natural privacy screen.
- It can be incorporated into a vertical garden design to add color and vertical interest to an urban garden setting.
- Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a unique and vibrant touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The vines of this clematis can be creatively woven into living wreaths or frames, offering a living piece of art that changes throughout the seasons.
- As part of a sensory garden, the texture and color of Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' flowers can provide a visual stimulus and enhance the overall sensory experience.
- In educational gardens or projects, clematis can be used to teach principles of climbing plant support structures and vertical gardening.
- This variety can also act as a backdrop in photographic portraiture or macro photography, with its deep ruby flowers offering a dramatic backdrop.
- It can be grown alongside other plants as part of a companion planting strategy to create a diverse and healthy ecosystem within the garden.
- The flowers can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics and crafts, although this is a less common and experimental use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Clematis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Clematis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mental Agility: Clematis plants are often associated with intelligence and the ability to think clearly, as their complex structure and growth pattern may remind one of intricate thoughts and ideas.
- Creativity: The Clematis's vibrant colors and diverse forms symbolize creativity and the blossoming of new ideas, much like how the flowers burst into bloom.
- Aspiration: These plants tend to climb and reach for the sky, which is symbolic of aspiration and striving towards one's goals.
- Innovation: The variety and adaptability of Clematis can stand for innovation and the drive to find new solutions or paths in life.
- Spiritual Exploration: Often found in gardens designed for contemplation, Clematis may represent a journey of spiritual or personal exploration.
WaterClematis plants, including the Clematis 'Ruby Wedding', require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, using about 1 gallon of water per session during the growing season. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week to maintain the proper moisture levels. In cooler temperatures, reduce the watering frequency to prevent overwatering. It is important to water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightClematis 'Ruby Wedding' thrives best in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. It does well in a spot that is exposed to morning sun followed by shade or dappled sunlight in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat of the day. This clematis will also perform well in a bright location with full sun if it is not excessively hot, ensuring the root zone remains cool and shaded.
TemperatureThe Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' can handle a temperature range from around 25 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers the cooler end of this range. It thrives best in temperate climates and may need protection from harsh winter chills below 25 degrees. The ideal growing temperature for this clematis is between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a comfortable environment for robust growth.
PruningPrune the Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' to encourage strong growth and flowering. It is best to prune this particular clematis in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to a pair of strong buds about 12 inches above the ground. This variety may benefit from a second lighter pruning right after the first flush of flowers to promote a second wave of blooms. Regular pruning also helps maintain the shape of the plant and prevents it from becoming too heavy and tangled.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClematis, commonly known as Leather Flower, thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH close to neutral (around 6.5-7.0). For the best soil composition, mix garden soil with compost and well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
RepottingLeather Flowers should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container to encourage healthy growth and prevent root-bound conditions.
Humidity & MistingThe Leather Flower prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool feet, and room for vertical growth.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, moist soil, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleClematis 'Ruby Wedding' (EL) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing a robust root system and initial foliage. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, characterized by the rapid growth of stems and leaves. Clematis 'Ruby Wedding' then enters the flowering stage, producing deep red, showy flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, it develops seed heads that release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, which can extend many years with proper care, the plant goes through seasonal cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, usually dying back in winter to reemerge in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Clematis 'Ruby Wedding NLP2' (EL), commonly referred to simply as Clematis, is often propagated through cuttings. The most popular method of propagation for Clematis involves taking semi-ripe cuttings during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. To do this, select a healthy stem that has new growth but is starting to harden (semi-ripe). Cut a piece of the stem about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring that each cutting has at least two pairs of leaves or nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, watered thoroughly, and placed in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight. A plastic bag can be placed over the pot to maintain humidity. Roots typically form within a few weeks to a few months, after which the new Clematis plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
