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© F. D. Richards from Clinton, MI, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Clematis × 'Pink Champagne' (syn. 'Kakio') is a Japanese large-flowered clematis hybrid that climbs 72-96 inches (180-240 cm) tall. Flat, open flowers 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) across with 6-8 deep pink-mauve to rosy-pink tepals bearing a deeper pink-red central bar appear in two flushes: a heavy first bloom in May-June on old wood and a lighter second bloom in August-September on new growth. The deep pink-mauve colour is warmer and more saturated than many pink clematis, with a slight mauve undertone that deepens in cooler weather. Yellow stamens with white filaments fill the centre. The first bloom on old wood produces the largest, most deeply coloured flowers; the second flush on new growth is lighter in both size and colour intensity. Partial shade preserves the deepest pink; in full hot sun, the colour fades toward pale mauve. This is a Group 2 (light prune) clematis: in late winter, dead and weak stems are removed and remaining shoots are cut to strong buds. The cultivar was raised in Japan and is sold under both the names 'Kakio' and 'Pink Champagne' in different markets. All parts contain protoanemonin, toxic if ingested.
Native Range
Clematis × 'Pink Champagne' (syn. 'Kakio') is a garden hybrid of Japanese origin.Suggested Uses
Trained on trellises, arbours, and fences where the deep pink-mauve flowers create a warm display. The large flower size suits this cultivar to close viewing. Container culture works in pots of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more with support. Pairs with white and blue clematis on shared structures.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
First flush in May-June on old wood with the largest, most deeply coloured flowers. Second lighter flush in August-September on new growth. Total display approximately 10 weeks across both flushes.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep pink-mauve to rosy-pink with a deeper barFoliage Description
Dark green, compound, with twining petiolesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun with 4-8 hours of light; partial shade preserves the deepest colour. The root zone is shaded with mulch or low ground-cover. Well-drained, humus-rich soil. Group 2 pruning: dead and weak stems are removed in late winter, with remaining stems cut to strong buds. Hard pruning is avoided. A support structure for the twining petioles is provided. Watering is regular. Light fertilising in spring supports growth.Pruning
Group 2 (light prune): In late February-March, dead and weak stems are removed. Remaining stems are cut to the highest pair of strong, swelling buds. Old wood is preserved for the spring bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons