Clematis 'Pink Flamingo'

Clematis 'Pink Flamingo' was raised in 1993 by British breeder Elizabeth Jones of Brecon, Wales, as a seedling of Clematis alpina, and was introduced by Guernsey Clematis Nursery (Raymond Evison). The semi-double, nodding bell-shaped flowers are pale pink with darker pink veining towards the base and a silvery-pale edge, while creamy-white stamens add a delicate contrast inside. At 5 to 6 cm across, the flowers are on the larger side for this group.

'Pink Flamingo' flowers from March to April, making it one of the earliest climbers in the garden; after the main flush, decorative, silky seed heads form and extend the ornamental value into summer. At around 250 cm in height, this variety is well suited to trellises, obelisks, fences and pergolas, as well as container growing on balconies and terraces. As an alpina-type clematis, it thrives in both sunny and partly shaded positions, though the root area should be kept cool and shaded.

Hardiness is very good at zone 5 (down to around -28.8 to -23.4 °C), so 'Pink Flamingo' overwinters outdoors without trouble even in exposed locations. For vigorous growth and a generous display the following year, cut the plant back to about 100 cm in June; since flowers form on the previous year's wood, pruning right after flowering is the right time. Once established, this variety proves robust and easy to care for, rewarding a cool, mulched root run with an especially lush display of flowers.