Clematis ‘Ruutel’ is a favored vining plant, celebrated for its striking visual appeal and extended bloom period. This variety enhances landscapes with dramatic vertical interest, offering beauty and a long season of color.
Understanding Clematis ‘Ruutel’
Clematis ‘Ruutel’ features large, velvety flowers, deep red to dark magenta, often accented by reddish-brown or nearly black stamens. These blooms can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) across. The flowering period extends from late spring or early summer through early autumn, often with two significant waves of blooms.
This deciduous perennial vine has a vigorous climbing habit, reaching 5 to 10 feet (1.5-3 meters) high and spreading about 2 feet (60 cm) wide. ‘Clematis ‘Ruutel” is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 11. Its name, ‘Ruutel,’ translates to ‘knight’ in Estonian, referencing its origin as a Kivistik clematis known for compact growth and abundant flowering.
Planting Clematis ‘Ruutel’
Selecting the appropriate site is important for ‘Clematis ‘Ruutel” to flourish. This plant thrives with its “head in the sun and feet in the shade,” meaning the foliage should receive full sun to partial shade, while the root zone remains cool and protected. Providing afternoon shade can be beneficial in warmer climates to prevent stress.
The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and have a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Improve soil structure with organic matter, peat, or vermiculite to ensure proper aeration and moisture retention. When planting, position the crown 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) below the soil surface to encourage robust new shoots from the base. Space plants 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) from other plants or structures. After planting, thorough initial watering helps establish the root system.
Ongoing Care for Clematis ‘Ruutel’
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Clematis ‘Ruutel’ as it prefers a moist environment but dislikes standing water. Water deeply when the topsoil feels dry, adjusting frequency based on weather and plant growth. During periods of rapid spring growth, increased watering may be necessary.
Regular fertilization benefits ‘Clematis ‘Ruutel’ throughout the growing season, from spring until early fall. A low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) or a balanced 10-10-10 formula promotes blooming over excessive foliage. Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer or a liquid feed every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain nutrient levels. This plant requires a sturdy support structure like a trellis, arbor, or fence. Mulching the base with organic material or placing flat stones helps keep roots cool and conserves soil moisture.
Pruning Clematis ‘Ruutel’
‘Clematis ‘Ruutel” is in Pruning Group 3, meaning it flowers on new wood produced during the current growing season. This classification dictates a specific pruning regimen for optimal health and bloom production. Proper pruning prevents the plant from becoming a tangled mass with blooms only at the top.
Primary pruning should occur in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Cut back all stems from the previous year’s growth hard, reducing each stem to a strong pair of buds, approximately 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) above ground level. This rigorous annual pruning encourages vigorous new growth and a profusion of flowers later in the season.
Addressing Common Issues
‘Clematis ‘Ruutel” can encounter common problems like clematis wilt and powdery mildew. Clematis wilt is a fungal disease causing sudden wilting and collapse of shoots or entire plants, though roots often remain healthy. Ensuring good air circulation and deep planting can help mitigate its occurrence.
Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, often favored by warm, humid conditions and poor air circulation. Improve airflow by proper spacing and avoid overhead watering in the evening to prevent it. Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can distort new growth and leave behind sticky honeydew. These pests can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or managed with insecticidal soaps.