Clematis 'Asao'

Raised by Mr. Kazushige Ozawa of Kawasaki, Japan.   Released by the Guernsey Clematis Nursery in the early 1980's.  Flowers can vary considerably, 4-6" single to double and light frosty pint to an almost red color with a white central bar.

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer and late summer.

Habit: Hardy, weak growing, deciduous climbing vine.

Height:  6-8'.

Exposure:  Full sun to part shade is best. 

Site:  Tolerates most garden soils.

Recommended use:  Grow on a trellis, arbor, obelisk, wall or fence, separately or in combination with other plants.  Good for container use on decks and patios.

Pruning: (Group 2)  When starting with a new plant prune as follows: during the winters of year 1 and 2 cut each stem ½ -1" above the lowest pair of active buds.  This will encourage low branching, giving you a fuller looking plant in later years.  Winter pruning after year 2 would be to cut each stem back to a strong pair of buds.  Remove dead or weak branches.  Hard pruning in winter will be at the expense of some spring flowers as they form on growth from the previous season.  You can prune this clematis to shape the plant in late spring after its main flowering period, with out the worry of cutting off potential flowers.    

Watering:  Likes regular water.  Soil should be moist but not wet.  Water deeply and then allow to dry some to encourage deep rooting.

Zones: 4-9.