Clematis 'KIRI TE KANAWA' clematis

Kiri Te Kanawa clematis is a large‑flowered, fully double cultivar with exceptionally rich, layered blooms, ranking among the most striking blue‑violet varieties of the Early Large‑flowered group. It flowers twice a year – from late May to June and again in August – because it produces blooms on both old and new wood. The flowers measure 12–15 cm across and are composed of several rows of tepals that become denser towards the centre, creating an almost peony‑like effect. The colour is a deep blue‑violet, richer and more velvety in partial shade, brighter and cooler blue in full sun. The inner tepals are often lighter, adding depth to the flower. The stamens are cream to pale yellow and provide a gentle contrast to the dark bloom. The growth is compact and well branched, with stems usually reaching 2–2.5 m, making it suitable even for smaller gardens, pergolas, trellises or larger containers. The cultivar tolerates partial shade very well, where its colours appear most sculpted and refined. It was bred by Barry Fretwell in the United Kingdom in the 1970s and named after the famous New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa. The name reflects her elegant, cultivated expression – the same kind of quiet nobility that this cultivar’s flowers radiate. Hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

It belongs to pruning group 2, which flowers on both old and new wood: the first flush forms on the lateral shoots of last year’s stems, the second on the tips of new growth. In early spring remove all dead, weak or damaged stems, and shorten strong old stems to the first pair of well-developed buds to create a solid framework for early summer flowering. After the first flush, lightly trim the spent parts to encourage new growth for late-summer flowering.

Clematis needs a position where the roots remain cool and moist while the upper part of the plant enjoys full sun or light partial shade; a cool, mulched root zone and a support with elements no thicker than 1 cm, which the leaf petioles can grasp, are ideal. They prefer deep, humus-rich, well-drained but consistently moist soil; heavier soils should be improved with compost and sand. When planting, it is advisable to set the plant 5 to 10 cm deeper than it grew in the container, which encourages the formation of new buds and increases vigour. During the growing season they require regular watering and feeding from spring to mid-summer with a balanced fertiliser or one slightly higher in potassium. Young plants benefit from winter protection with light conifer branches, especially in exposed sites; with stable moisture, airy soil and firm support, clematis will reward the gardener with long and abundant flowering.

Clematis can be grown successfully in containers provided they have sufficient root space, stable moisture and a protected root zone. The ideal container holds at least 40 to 50 litres, is deep and very well drained, because perfect drainage determines whether frequent watering benefits the plant or leads to rot. The container must have large drainage holes, a layer of coarse material such as expanded clay at the bottom and a light, airy substrate that allows excess water to run off immediately. It should be positioned so that the compost does not overheat, for example in light partial shade or inside a double pot. The soil above the roots should be protected with a good-quality mulch, which slows drying and reduces the need for watering. Compact cultivars up to 1.5 to 2 metres perform best, as they do not develop an overly strong root system and do not require a heavy support; under these conditions clematis can grow and flower abundantly in containers for many years.

Last update 17-05-2026