Clematis ‘Kokonoe’

Clematis ‘Kokonoe’ is a captivating deciduous climber that brings a touch of refined elegance to any garden. What makes this variety truly special is the remarkable transformation of its abundant flowers; they emerge as striking single blooms in late spring, gradually unfurling to reveal a rich, deep purple-violet hue and a delightful central ruff of shorter petals, culminating in a magnificent fully double display by late summer. It’s no wonder ‘Kokonoe’ was shortlisted for the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year in 2019. We’ve found it to be a robust and free-flowering plant, performing admirably whether scrambling up a support or gracing a container.

For optimal growth, we recommend planting ‘Kokonoe’ in a position that receives full sun to partial shade, ideally where its ‘head’ can bask in the sun while its roots remain cool and shaded – a trick easily achieved with a layer of mulch or by planting low-growing companions at its base. It thrives in moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil; good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. When planting, ensure the crown is set 5-8cm (2-3 inches) below soil level to encourage strong, new shoots from the base. This hardy cultivar is tolerant of cold UK winters, down to approximately -15°C to -23.5°C. During active growth, a balanced fertiliser, such as a rose feed, every three months will keep it performing at its best.

As a Group 3 clematis, ‘Kokonoe’ is wonderfully straightforward to prune. Each year, in early to mid-spring, simply cut back all the previous season’s stems to a pair of strong, healthy buds about 15-20cm (6-8 inches) above ground level. This encourages a fresh flush of growth and ensures a spectacular display of flowers from June right through to October, or even November in mild conditions. Its modest stature and rapid growth make it an excellent choice for training on obelisks, trellises, or fences, and it looks particularly stunning when allowed to intermingle with climbing roses or other shrubs. It’s also perfectly suited for patio pots, bringing its unique floral drama right to your doorstep, or even used as effective ground cover.