CLIANTHUS
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CLIANTHUS
Commonly known as Lobster claw, Parrot's bill
All Flower APR-JUN
Lobster claw, Parrot's beak or, if you like, Kakabeak from that New Zealand parrot.
Genus of 1 or 2 species of evergreen trailing or climbing shrubs from warm-temperate scrub or woodland in Australia and New Zealand, critically endangered in the wild.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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Endangered in the wildThese plants are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's list of 'Red Plants'. This is a list of threatened species in the wild, they are either critically, endangered or vulnerable to extinction.Endangered
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Good to know
Can be trained against a wall. After flowering cut back flowered shoots by no more than one-third their length -
Pests & Diseases
None -
Place of origin
New Zealand (North Island) -
EvergreenDark green leaves to 15cm (6in) long with 13-25 narrowly oblong leaflets.
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Red
Brilliant red -
RacemesPendent racemes to 15cm (6in) long
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Australian / New Zealand
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Frost hardy (down to -5)
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Height
4m (13ft) -
Spread
3m (10ft)
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ClimberSome of these climbing plants will need trellis or wire supports if grown on walls or fences. Other grow aerial roots and are self-clingingClimbing shoots. Produces flowers to 7cm (3in) long
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Pruning group 6
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs or climbers that need little to no pruning.
Action: Trim back shoots that spoil symmetry and to fit available space.
When: Annually after flowering if on previous year's growth, or in later Winter or Spring if flowering on current year's growth, or as requires.
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Pruning group 8
Suitable for: Wall trained shrubs and less vigorous climbers.
Action: For climbers 'spur prune' by cutting back 3-4 buds of the permanent framework. For wall trained shrubs cut back flowered shoots to within 2-4 buds of permanent framework.
When: Annually after flowers if on previous year's growth, or in late Winter or Spring if on current year's growth.
If wall grown -
Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) -
Spring Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soilProtect with a deep winter mulch. Often sprouts from the base if cut back by frost
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Against a wall
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Full sun
Shelter from cold, drying winds
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Clianthus - Growing Guide
