Clematis Kokonoe

The Clematis 'Kokonoe' is a brand new variety, presented at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019. This exceptional clematis offers an abundance of large, double flowers from late spring to autumn, in a deep purple-violet colour. They somewhat resemble the unique architecture of cactus dahlias. They open in 3 stages, starting from a large central bud surrounded by a star with 6 thread-like branches that open into wide petals. The bud gradually opens, forming a wall of incurved petals. This surprising little vine blooms tirelessly throughout the summer. Of modest stature but with rapid growth, it is well suited for container cultivation.

The genus Clematis belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae. 'Kokonoe' is a very recent cultivar, thanks to breeder Shigeaki Ochiai, who also introduced the excellent variety 'Taiga' in 2016. The flowers of these beautiful clematis truly embody the refined spirit that characterises each of the Japanese variety creations. 'Kokonoe' is said to be a cross between C. florida and C. integrifolia. As a result, it is capable of producing an abundance of flowers over a long period, from June to September. Like all Florida clematis, it blooms on the current year's growth.

It is a woody, climbing perennial plant with short stems that will not exceed 2.50 m (8ft) in height, with a spread of 1 m². Carried by reddish stems, the deciduous leaves, which are often tinged with purple, are composed of 3 ovate to lanceolate leaflets measuring 3 to 7 cm (1 to 3in) long and 1.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide, or they are simple and oval, measuring from 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long. The very double flowers are composed of countless elliptical tepals (indistinguishable from petals) that are folded in on themselves, tapering at the tip. The flowers are 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. The centre is occupied by a large bud surrounded by smaller petals, over a collar of wider petals. The flower is a very rich, deep and intense purple-violet colour. This clematis clings to a support or the host plant by means of voluble stems with petioles transformed into tendrils. This variety has good health and hardiness.

Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, forms and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. The surprising 'Kokonoe' variety will be perfect trained on a wall. Thanks to its modest size, it will easily find its place in a small garden and will thrive in a pot on a balcony or next to an entrance door, embracing a small bamboo structure to welcome visitors with its magical colours.