Clematis 'Kilian Donahue'

The extraordinary color changes undergone by these giant 5-inch blooms make 'Kilian Donahue' one of the most dramatic Clematis cultivars ever developed. A very heavy bloomer all summer, its flowers mature to such different shades that a fully blooming plant looks like 2 Clematis cultivars delightfully intertwined!

The flowers begin early season with a huge flush, each pink petal boldly striped in rich ruby-red. As they mature, the ruby-red turns a brilliant shade of fuchsia with an orchid edge. Eventually the blooms are a warm lavender tone with a prominent pink bar. All of this on every single petal!

After the initial, very heavy flurry of blooms, 'Kilian Donahue' settles in to reflower all summer long. The combination of new ruby-red and pink blooms against older lavender flowers is so distinctive that it really does not look like a single plant! Very eye-catching, and an ever-changing pleasure to watch.

'Kilian Donahue' reaches 8 to 10 feet high, a good size for large containers and ideal for the garden, where it wends its way up trellises, through fences, and among the canes of roses. The central cluster of burgundy-tipped white anthers on every bloom is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, and the flowers are also suitable for cutting.

The first introduction from American breeder Mark Donahue, this large-flowered Clematis is certain to become the focal point of any garden display. Very highly recommended. Pruning Group II. Zones 4 to 9.