Clematis 'Kohana'

Clematis 'Kohana' was bred by the Japanese breeder Hiroshi Hayakawa. Its 12–14 cm double flowers open from pale green buds, first showing white with a delicate pink blush at the petal tips, then turning fully white as they unfurl – the creamy-yellow stamens only really stand out once the flower is fully open.

'Kohana' flowers from May to June, blooming on last year's wood right down to the base of the shoots. At just 100–120 cm, it stays low and grows rather slowly – ideal for small supports, compact trellises or as a container plant on the balcony or patio. The white flowers show especially well against a dark background. Choose a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

'Kohana' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 4, down to about -34 to -29 °C). For vigorous growth and abundant flowering, cut the plant back to about 100 cm in June.