Clematis patens Kakio

The Clematis 'Kakio', also known as 'Champagne Rosé', is a climbing plant that offers a double flowering with powerful hues. Its large flowers bloom for the first time in the middle of spring, revealing a range of pinkish-red tones with violet reflections and exposing a heart of yellow stamens. It then blooms again in late summer, providing us with an equally seductive perpetual flowering. Whether in a container or in the ground, it allows for covering pergolas, walls, and arches with a lot of character.

This recent creation comes from Japan. It is the result of successful hybridisation work and has undoubtedly inherited its sumptuous colours from its parents ('Star of India'). From May to June, this Clematis, which can reach a height of 2-3 m (7-10ft), bears large single flowers, measuring approximately 10 cm (4in) in diameter, on the previous year's branches. These flowers consist of eight overlapping tepals, with slightly undulating margins that taper at the end. They open fully in a star shape, revealing a heart of yellow stamens. The colour tones vary and depend on the climate. They are usually in the pink range, leaning towards fuchsia and violet in certain latitudes, and tend to lean towards red-purple in others. However, they always have a lighter central stripe, often subtly veined. In August, a second flowering emerges from the current year's stems, offering flowers until September. Afterwards, fruits appear, which decorate the foliage until winter. The leaves, composed of 3 to 5 leaflets, are deciduous and have a beautiful deep green colour. They are carried by voluble stems that wrap around their support.

Like most of its relatives, 'Kakio' prefers a light, deep, fresh, and fertile soil, preferably neutral. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded position, with the base of the plant always in shade. It is resistant to cold and can withstand frost, even severe frost. However, it does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so the substrate must be well-drained and watering should be moderate (if necessary, especially during the first year). It can be grown in a container, provided it is sufficiently large (minimum 60 cm (24in) in diameter).

Very floriferous, 'Champagne Rosé' or 'Kakio' generously covers various supports and enhances them with its enchanting shades. It blends perfectly with other Clematis varieties and climbing roses, ensuring a full season of flowers if you take care to choose successive bloomers. For instance, the viticella varieties 'Purpurea Plena' and 'Black Prince', as well as 'Jan Fopman', will take over in mid-summer, just like the Rose 'Crimson Sower'. In spring, consider late tulips that will welcome them in the same colour tones.