General description: The Rooguchi clematis was introduced to the market in 1992. The creator was Kazushige Ozawa, recognized for producing many other varieties, such as the Iryuu and Hanajima clematises.

Flowers: This clematis has small, bell-shaped flowers around 6 cm in diameter, composed of 4 pointedly ended purple petals with white edges. Yellow stamens are not visible most of the time, only at the very end of blooming.

Blooming: The Rooguchi flowers continuously from June until September.

Leaves: This clematis has green leaves composed of 5 leaflets.

Cultivation requirements: This clematis is frost resistant. It grows best in sunny spots. Locations near walls with south-eastern or south-western exposure are recommended. The Rooguchi needs soil abundant in humus and moisture, with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. The substrate should be breathable, although this variety can tolerate heavier, compacted clays.

Care: In autumn it is worth covering the base of the plant either with compost or decomposed, old or granulated manure, and in spring applying a mineral fertilizer is recommended. Regular generous watering is needed during the growth season (unless heavy rainfall occurs).

Pruning: Heavy pruning is to be carried out in early spring. Dead stems should be cut to just above ground level, and healthy ones to a height of around 5-10 cm above ground.

Props: The Rooguchi is a perennial and a primitive climber that doesn’t necessarily require support structures as it won’t cling to them, but it will rest against any available support.

Overwintering: This clematis is frost resistant (in hardiness zone 4, withstanding -34°C). Protecting young seedlings for the winter is recommended, by piling a mound of soil or peat about 30 cm in height over the plant. This clematis is a deciduous shrub.

Origin: Japan.