Clematis 'Rooguchi'
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The name is sometimes spelled 'Rouguchi'.
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Vines.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A-1 to A-3, 1-11, 14-24.
USDA zones: 4-9.
Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 8 feet (2.5 m) if tied up.
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Flowering attributes: Nodding, 2-inch long, plum-purple, bell-shaped flowers. The bells have straight sides down the bell where they end at the sepal tips with a gentle recurve.
Leaf attributes: Deciduous, mid-green leaves.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding: 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 2 or B.
Pests and Diseases: Powdery mildew is a problem on stressed or poorly grown plants.
Rainy Side Notes
Clematis 'Rooguchi', a cross between C. integrifolia and C. reticulata, was originally bred in Japan to be a solitary blossom for the Japanese tea ceremony. Its hybridizer, the late Kazushige Ozawa, created an exciting vine for the garden as well as for the florists. Its two-inch long glossy purple, bell shaped flowers are loved by floral designers.
This non-climbing species can be trained up an arbor, growing 8 feet tall, or used to crawl through a shrub. It is remarkably beautiful when allowed to cascade down a wall, or spill over the top of a fence, or trail down a tall container. These attributes and its exceptionally long bloom time make it a versatile addition for almost any garden.
In the maritime Pacific Northwest this clematis grows best in full sun or with at least five hours of morning sun. This helps keep the powdery mildew at bay.
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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