Clematis Kiri Te Kandawa - 20cm Pot

Clematis ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ is a beautiful deciduous climbing vine admired for its large, fully double, deep bluish-purple flowers. Its richly coloured blooms feature multiple layers of petals, creating a full, decorative appearance against fresh green foliage.

Producing flowers approximately 12.5–15cm across, ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ puts on an impressive display from late spring through to autumn. Flowers are produced in abundance throughout the growing season, although blooms may be slightly smaller during periods of hot summer weather.

With its moderate climbing habit, this attractive Clematis is well suited to trellises, archways, fences and other garden supports. Its relatively compact size also makes it an excellent choice for large decorative pots and smaller gardens, where the flowers can be enjoyed up close.

Growing to approximately 2.4 metres high, ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ works beautifully in cottage-style gardens, mixed borders and alongside other climbing plants. Its deep purple-blue flowers provide a striking contrast against white, pink and pastel flowering varieties.

As a deciduous climber, ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ loses its foliage during winter before producing fresh growth and flowers as the weather warms.

Mature size: approximately 1.8–2.4 metres high, with spread depending on the support and growing conditions.

Care & Growing Tips

Plant in full sun to part shade, ideally in a position receiving morning sunlight with protection from harsh afternoon sun. In Melbourne gardens, a sheltered position can help protect the flowers during hot summer weather.

Clematis ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Keep the roots cool by applying mulch around the base or planting low-growing companion plants nearby.

Water regularly during establishment and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the warmer months, particularly while the plant is actively growing and flowering. Plants grown in containers may require more frequent watering during hot weather.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning Group 2: Clematis ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ flowers on both previous season's growth and new growth. Lightly prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged stems and trimming remaining growth back to strong, healthy buds.

Avoid hard pruning, as this can reduce the early flowering display. A light trim after the first flush of flowers may encourage further flowering later in the season.

Provide a trellis, climbing frame or other suitable support for the stems to climb. Clematis climbs by wrapping its leaf stalks around slender supports, so fine trellis or garden wire is particularly useful.

Ideal for
— Trellises and climbing frames
— Garden arches and obelisks
— Fences and garden structures
— Cottage-style gardens
— Courtyards and smaller gardens
— Large pots and decorative containers
— Mixed perennial borders
— Growing alongside climbing roses
— Adding vertical garden interest
— Blue and purple garden designs
— Double-flowered garden displays
— Spring to autumn flowering colour