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Clianthus puniceus - Lobster claw seds

Clianthus puniceus
Kaka beak, Parrot's beak, Parrot's bill, Lobster claw

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More information

Graden Merit
Climbing bush with evergreen leaves, native to New Zealand and producing long, crimson flowers in the shape of lobster claws from March to June. A young plant to be grown in a conservatory or on a balcony or patio during the summer.  
Flower size
7 cm
Height at maturity
2.40 m
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Perennial
Germination time (days)
30 days
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Sowing period March to May
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time July to September
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Clianthus is a climbing bush with evergreen leaves, native to New Zealand, reaching heights of up to 4 metres (13 feet) and producing from March to June clusters of 15 cm (6in) long scarlet red flowers shaped like 'Lobster Claws'. Naturally, this term is now commonly used to refer to this plant.

Being frost-sensitive, this plant should be grown in a conservatory or on a balcony or patio during summer.

Its evergreen, dark green leaves, 10-15 cm (4-6in) long, are composed of narrow oblong leaflets. When planted at the base of a wall, it can be easily trained to climb up.

The curious shape of its flowers will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of unique and exotic plants.

Just like in its native habitat, Clianthus puniceus thrives in rich, well-drained soil and in warm, sunny locations. 

After flowering, prune back the faded branches by half. Avoid overwatering.

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 7 cm
Flowering description Clusters of 15cm (6in) long, composed of long 7cm (3in) scarlet red flowers in the shape of lobster claws.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Foliage description These evergreen, dark green leaves, 10-15 cm (4-6in) long, are composed of narrow oblong leaflets.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.40 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Clianthus

Species

puniceus

Family

Fabaceae (Papillonaceae)

Other common names

Kaka beak, Parrot's beak, Parrot's bill, Lobster claw

Origin

Oceania

Planting and care

Beforehand, soak the seeds in a bowl of warm water for 24 hours. In March and April, sow Clianthus puniceus in 7cm (3in) pots. Use good quality soil, possibly enriched with compost. Sow your seeds at a depth of 5mm (0.2in). Cover the seeds with soil, lightly press down, and water thoroughly with a fine rain. Place your pots in a well-lit area, without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 15 to 21°C (59 to 69.8°F).

The seeds will take 14 to 30 days to germinate. As soon as the plants reach a height of 20cm (8in), transplant them into their final pot 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in diameter. If you plan to plant them in the garden, start gradually acclimatising them to a temperature slightly higher than that of the outdoors, 15 days before their final placement.

By the end of May or early June, the temperature in the garden will be warm enough to accommodate your young plants. Choose a sunny location sheltered from the wind. Add a good shovel of compost to each planting hole. Space your plants 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.
Train the plant as it grows.

After flowering, cut back the faded branches by half. Avoid excessive watering.

 

Sowing period

Sowing period March to May
Germination time (days) 30 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Container, Climbing, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -4°C (USDA zone 9b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Humus rich and acidic soil.

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