Asao Pink Clematis

Clematis ‘Asao’ is a large-flowered clematis selected by Japanese breeder Kasushige Ozawa. Its mostly pink flowers can have red margins and a conspicuous golden-yellow eye, with single and semi-double blooms reported on both the first and repeat flushes. The cultivar is relatively compact and adapts well to supported garden or container display. ## Flowering and display The [International Clematis Society’s Asao profile](https://internationalclematissociety.org/clematis-asao/) describes it among the earliest large-flowered hybrids in spring, with flowers about 12–18 cm across. The repeat flush may include the same mix of single and semi-double flowers. In a favorable site it can grow as much as 9 ft, but conditions affect its eventual size; the profile establishes no fixed mature width. ## Siting Train the leaf-stalks onto a support and keep the roots in cool, evenly moist soil. A large container with drainage is practical where space is limited. The named cultivar’s flower colors and repeat bloom make it useful near a path or seating area where the flower centers can be seen. ## Maintenance After the spring bloom, shorten and shape the stems if the vine needs control. The Society notes that this does not prevent later flowers. Water containers when the growing mix begins to dry and allow excess water to drain.