Clematis 'Kakio'

Clematis 'Kakio' is a Japanese cultivar bred by Kazushige Ozawa, raised from a cross between the Japanese 'Star of India' and 'Ernest Markham' – both varieties with a strong inheritance from the species Clematis patens. In the West it is best known under the trade name PINK CHAMPAGNE™, yet the breeder insists on the name 'Kakio' – and on the fact that in the Japanese climate the flowers are clearly red, not pink. Indeed, 'Kakio' is one of the most colour-variable clematis: depending on aspect, light and weather, the eight (sometimes six to ten) tepals range from vivid red through purplish pink to violet-pink, always with a paler central bar and pink-veined midribs. A striking crown of yellow stamens completes the picture. Spring flowers reach 12–15 cm in diameter.

The first flush of bloom opens in early May and continues into June; a second flowering follows on the new wood from July to September. Reaching 300 cm in height, 'Kakio' is well suited to trellises, pergolas, obelisks and climbing frames – it also looks wonderful threading through small trees or ornamental shrubs. Particularly recommended for small gardens and terraces: it thrives in large containers at least 45 cm deep and wide. As for aspect, 'Kakio' is remarkably adaptable. It flowers generously in all directions, and cool positions – including north-facing walls – actually suit it well, as the flower colour tends to be most intense there.

With a hardiness rating of Zone 6 (down to -23.3°C), 'Kakio' reliably survives Central European winters. Cutting back after the spring flowering in June to approximately 100 cm keeps the plant vigorous, helps prevent the occasional yellowing of the foliage, and sets the stage for a generous repeat bloom. As a pruning group 2 cultivar, it flowers on both old and new wood. The soil should be kept cool, humus-rich and evenly moist; the roots benefit from shading by ground-cover plants or flat stones.