Clematis 'Haru Ichiban'

150-868-1 Clematis 'Haru Ichiban'
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	Masako Takeuchi was a gifted hybridizer of clematis. Over the years we have been able to add some of her plants to our collection. The striking star-like flowers of Clematis 'Haru Ichiban' (1992) show some of the characteristics of the plants she selected. It is a cross between C. 'Barbara' Jackman' and C. 'Mrs. N. Thompson' and, although it has the vigor of both of those plants, it does not have the same coloration. The texture of the flowers is somewhat mottled in appearance as if they were made of a more porous fabric. The veining and the paler central bar is accentuated by the downward slope of the sepals making the flowers look as if they were about to take flight. The white filaments are a fine contrast with their red anther tips. Individual flowers are 3 to 4 inches in width. The name translates to "first in spring." May and June; August and September. 6-7 ft. Purplish Red flowers *Sun, Part Shade Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9*