Clematis alpina 'Ruby'
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ALPINE CLEMATIS
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss al-PEEN-uh
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Vines.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (western).
USDA zones: 4-9.
Heat zones: 9-6.
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Flowering period: Mid spring to late spring.
Flowering attributes: Single, bell-shaped, with 4 tepals of bright pink with off-white staminodes.
Leaf attributes: Nine leaflets that are midgreen. Each leaf has serrated margins.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Fertilize once a month with a complete organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation Methods: Layer branches in late winter. | Basal and softwood cuttings in spring. | Division in spring. | Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
Pruning Methods: Pruning group 1 or A.
Rainy Side Notes
I planted two of this vine—one that scrambles over a camellia, the other that climbs an arbor supporting mailboxes nearby. Clematis 'Ruby' is vigorous enough to hold its own with the rambunctious honeysuckle, Lonicera 'Henryi', the vine that shares the climbing space, like an old married couple. They are planted about four feet apart from each other. Although the honeysuckle covers the arbor with handsome evergreen foliage year round, I was disappointed in its nondescript flowers. What saved it was the blossoms' remarkable scent, followed by blue berries. However, Clematis 'Ruby' adds a beautiful spring bloom to the space. In April, 'Ruby' covers itself in nodding pinkish-red flowers with four, one-inch long tepals. I decided to keep the couple growing on the arbor.
This cultivar grows best in full sun and is right at home in a container. Give it something to climb and minimal pruning and it will reward you with spring blooms and sometimes a sprinkling of flowers in fall. I haven't seen my two vines rebloom; are they holding out on me?
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Additional Reading
Planting and Care of Clematis.
Book Recommendation: Gardening with Clematis : Design & Cultivation
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