Family Fabaceae
Origin New Zealand (north island)

When a plant has such fine and feathery foliage and large uniquely shaped flowers it’s hard to imagine why it is so scarce. We’re not sure why this plant is not widely known, but it is excellent in all its qualities and deservedly has the RHS award of merit. Its long evergreen leaves have a feather-like shape and are borne on stems that will make a low scrambling shrub, or if supported, a climber. The flowers are better displayed when the plant is supported, and they do warrant close inspection; hanging in bunches of several large blooms, about 8 – 10cm long, curved and pointed like a claw with a glossy surface. The blossoms of this form have the deepest red colour and appear in mid spring over a period of a month. More flowers may appear later in the season, although they will be less numerous. Clianthus are easy to grow and best in full sun against a wall or fence in light sandy soil. The foliage may die back in frosty conditions, but once established the older, woodier stems are a little hardier than our cautious 5 rating, and the plant should re-shoot from them in colder conditions.

Height and spread after 3 – 4 years 1.5 x 2m