Clematis Pink Fantasy

Clematis 'Pink Fantasy' is a variety from 1975, originating from Canada. It is a deciduous climber that bears a mass of flowers. From late May to late September, it blooms almost continuously in flat star-shaped flowers in a salmon-pink colour, slightly undulating with pointed sepals. They measure 8 to 12cm (3 to 5in) in diameter. While the edges of the sepals are white-pink, the middles are distinctly darker, leaning towards fuchsia-pink. As they open, the flowers fade to become an almost transparent silvery hue. The burgundy anthers are stunning against the overall brightness. Its compact habit and rapid growth make it an ideal plant for enhancing small spaces. It will work wonders when paired with a dwarf bush and demonstrates excellent performance in containers. This hardy climber is easy to grow; just place its roots in a cool spot and its head in the sun.

The cultivar 'Pink Fantasy' is a hybrid clematis. Clematis is a deciduous climber that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Like most of its cousins, it prefers light, deep, moist, and fertile soil that is preferably neutral. It enjoys a sunny or partially shaded position, with its base always in shade. It resists cold temperatures and is not afraid of frost, even if prolonged. However, it does not tolerate stagnant humidity, so the substrate must be well-drained and watering should be moderate (if necessary, during the first year). It can be grown in a container if the pot is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter.

Clematis 'Pink Fantasy' can reach up to 2.5m (8ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width. It is a Group 2 clematis, meaning it has large flowers and blooms in spring, with a second flowering in late summer. The woody stems from the previous year bear the spring flowers, which are sometimes double. The herbaceous branches of the current year bear the late summer flowering. The second wave of flowers are single and star-shaped. They normally consist of 6 to 8 large petals. They have a large, densely stamen-filled heart. Afterwards, they transform into dry fruits with persistent feathery aigrettes in winter, providing a notable decorative feature in late season. The deciduous and dark green leaves are composed of 3 to 5 leaflets. They are borne on voluble petioles called tendrils that coil around their support.

Plant spring bulbs and a few ground cover perennials like white or blue flowering geraniums at its base and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance. If you have a larger space, this vigorous clematis can weave through shrubs or climb a column to bring verticality to a vibrant border. Large-flowered repeat-blooming clematis are the best companions for roses. 'Pink Fantasy' will perfectly complement compositions with blue, violet, and pink colours. It will add brightness to shaded areas. Combine it with dwarf shrubs or variegated evergreen climbers, like some ivies. It pairs perfectly with the purple-violet flowers of Clematis 'Warszawska Nike'.