Clematis Lady Kyoko

Clematis 'Lady Kyoko', recently obtained in Japan, is a small climbing plant which is very unusual both in the shape of its flowers and in their colour. Its medium-sized flowers open in several stages, starting from a large central bud that opens into an increasingly double star, composed of slender petals ending in a point. Each petal is finely veined in lavender to violet on a white background. This wonderful little climber flowers from late spring to autumn. Of modest size, but fast-growing, it is well suited for pots.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Lady Kyoko' is a very recent hybrid cultivar, born in Japan and named in honour of its breeder's daughter. Its flower truly embodies the refined spirit that inhabits each of the Japanese varieties. 'Lady Kyoko' has the genes of Clematis florida, a species native to Japan (despite its name, which simply means that it flowers a lot!), its other parent is unknown. This variety flowers in waves between May-June and October. It belongs to the group of clematis that flower on the current year's shoots.

Lady Kyoko clematis is a woody, climbing perennial plant, with short stems, which will not exceed 3 m high, with a spread of 1 m². The deciduous, dark green leaves are composed of ovate to lanceolate leaflets 3 to 7 cm (1 to 3in) long and 1.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide. The double flowers are composed of numerous elliptical, tapered tepals. The centre is occupied by a large bud surrounded by smaller petals, over a collar of wider petals. The flower becomes veined in shades of mauve, purple and violet as it matures. According to some sources, the flowers are slightly fragrant. This clematis clings to the support or host plant with tendrils. This variety has good hardiness (-15 °C). Its leaves dry up and fall off in winter.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses or small climbers to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with varieties in all colours, shapes and sizes. Take advantage of their ease of cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. The sublime 'Lady Kyoko' variety will be perfect trained on a wall, and very beautiful in a bush with pink flowers. Thanks to its modest size, it will easily fit in a small garden and will be quite happy in a pot on a balcony or next to an entrance door, over a small structure to welcome visitors with its unusual flowering.