Clianthus puniceus
lobster claw
A scandent evergreen shrub to 3m, with dark green pinnate leaves and pendulous clusters of vivid red flowers 7cm in length in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Clianthus are evergreen, scrambling shrubs with pinnate leaves and spectacular claw-like flowers in spring and summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NZ (N Island)
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideal for a warm, sunny, sheltered position in mild areas or, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. It thrives in well-drained soil or compost.
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11 (or pruning group 13 if wall-grown) immediately after flowering; cut back flowered shoots by no more than one third their length
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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