Clematis ('Kakio') PINK CHAMPAGNE™ clematis, old man's beard

How about pink champagne? Truth is that inventors, or possibly their marketing experts go a long way to find more and more interesting variety names that sound good and tempting. This Japanese clematis is called PINK CHAMPAGNE™ and is simply stunning. The flowers are large, rich pink and slightly wavy margins and paler inside with a centre profusely decorated with yellow anthers. It is one of the first among large-flowered varieties to bloom in spring, beginning in mid May and going on for 4-6 weeks. Then again in August and September. It is not too rampant and is behaving well even in small spaces.

It belongs to Group 2 clematis. Its flowers appear first in late spring and early summer on last year’s sideshoots, and in mid- and late summer at the tips of the current year's shoots. In early spring remove dead and damaged stems before growth begins, trimming all remaining stems to where strong buds are visible. These buds provide a framework of second-year shoots that flower in late spring and early summer. The flowers may then be removed. Young shoots bear more flowers later in the summer.

Clematis likes deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil that remains cool. You can grow a plant below clematis that will provide shade for its roots. Add garden compost in late winter and mulch it well. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 07-06-2016