Clematis 'Haku Ookan'

Raised by Esio Kubota of Japan ~ 1957.  The dark, rich,  purple petals which tend to cup inward are pointed at their tips.  The flower color is contrasted heavily by a large central boss of creamy white stamens which are very showy.   Occasional semi-double flowers can occur.

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

Habit: Moderately fast growing deciduous climbing vine.

Height: 6-8'

Exposure:  Any.  Flowers will maintain color in sunlight.

Site: Will tolerate any location. Tolerates most garden soils.  Protection from wind is recommended to prevent damage to the large flowers.

Recommended use:  Grow on a trellis, arbor, obelisk, wall or fence, separately or in combination with other plants.

 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.