1. We tested the hypotheses that (i) reproductive ramets of Linnaea borealis L. (Caprifoliaceae) compensate for reproductive investments by enhanced resorption of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from leaves before abscission, and that (ii) resorption is decreased by increased soil nutrient availability. We also investigated (iii) the significance of resorption for ramet growth and nutrient pool sizes. 2. Leaves from reproductive, post-reproductive and non-reproductive ramets were used to investigate compensatory resorption of N and P. To study resorption responses to increased nutrient availability, slow-release fertilizer was applied and differences between defoliated and shaded ramets were noted. 3. No compensation for reproductive investments via resorption from senescing leaves was detected. Resorption efficiency increased with increased nutrient availability for N, but showed no response for P. No effect of experimentally denied resorption was seen. 4. We propose that extensive physiological integration within clonal fragments of L. borealis buffers resource alterations in ramets associated with reproduction, fertilization and prevented resorption. 5. Our results show that the performance of a ramet of a physiologically well integrated plant is not governed by local conditions - ramets can exceed patch nutrient availability without reduced growth and nutrient status.