General description: The Red Star belongs to the early-blooming, large-flowered group of clematises. It blooms twice a year. It was created in Japan by Takashi Watanabe. It’s ideal for balconies and terraces as it only grows to about 1.5-2 m tall.

Flowers: The Red Star’s flowers are vividly red, slightly lighter in colour near the centre with pale pink streak running down the middle of each petal. Slight green discolouration may be observed, mainly on the outer whorls. Flowers are double or semi-double, around 10-14 cm in diameter. The petals are set irregularly, lanceolately shaped and acutely ended with a wavy edge. Stamens are composed of purple anthers with creamy-yellow filaments.

Blooming: The Red Star starts to bloom at the end of May on old stems, and again, more abundantly, from the start of July until autumn on new shoots.

Leaves: Leaves are dark green.

Cultivation requirements: This clematis likes sunny or semi-shaded spots. Location near walls with an eastern, western or northern exposure are ideal. For optimal growth, the Red Star needs moist soil rich in humus, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The substrate must be breathable (heavy, compacted clays are not suitable but sandy soils are also not advised).

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: Trimming a young clematis plant should not be feared – such pruning forces outward growth right from the base, and as a result the shrub looks denser in later years. The Red Star should be pruned lightly. At the turn of February and March, dead or damaged stems should be removed, and healthy ones only lightly pruned – a year after planting just above healthy buds to some 30 cm above ground; in the second year, some 70 cm above ground, and in later years it should be cut to a height of up to 1.5 m (the younger or weaker the plant, the more should be cut from the top). Pruning branches that have finished flowering in the summer is highly recommended as this allows for new blossom on the current year’s shoots to flower.

Props: This variety easily grows on all kinds of nets, poles, hung ropes, grates and trellises, fences, pergolas and arbours. The elements of support should not exceed 1 cm in diameter. Thanks to its petioles, it can also climb up natural supports, such as deciduous and coniferous bushes and dwarf shrubs.

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.