Clematis Kokonoe A new, hybrid clematis with a long flowering period, Clematis Kokonoe is a fast-growing, herbaceous (deciduous) climber with deep green, typical tripartite clematis leaves. From early June to September, the plant carries rich purple flowers, the earliest emerging as singles, but later ones double with a fluffy cream centre. Plant with the crown 2-3”/5-8cm below the level in the pot, to encourage new stems from below. It’s a Group 3 clematis, so easy to prune; cut back in late winter to two fat buds about 6-8”/15-20cm above the ground, removing the dead stems. Then apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser and mulch well, keeping the mulch away from the stem. As clematis Kokonoe is quite small, it can be grown in soil-based compost in a large container on an obelisk and fed weekly – clematis are hungry, thirsty plants. Site: ShelteredSoil: Light, humus-rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, preferably neutralPosition: Full sun; tolerates partial shadeSeason of interest: Early summer to early autumnHardiness: Hardy to -10ºCHeight: 8’ (2.5m) Spread: 39” (1m)