Forster’s Clematis

Botanical name:Clematis forsteri
Synonyms:Clematis australis; Clematis colensoi; Clematis hexapetala; Clematis hexasepala
Common name(s): Forster’s Clematis, Puataua

About:
A highly variable evergreen climber endemic to New Zealand, prized for its masses of fragrant cream flowers and attractive silky seed heads. Clematis forsteri scrambles through shrubs and small trees using twining leaf stalks and is one of New Zealand’s most widespread native clematis species. The leaves vary greatly in shape, ranging from simple and toothed to deeply divided, giving this species a distinctive and often delicate appearance.

Natural habitat:
Lowland forests, forest margins, stream edges and open spaces within native bush. Most common where it can scramble over shrubs and small trees.

Growing environment:
Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Thrives in sheltered sites with good airflow and benefits from having nearby vegetation or structures for support.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in both the North and South Islands, from Auckland south to northern Westland and Canterbury.

Height:
Up to 5 m

Width:
2–4 m

Flowering:
September–March

Fruiting:
October–April

Uses:
• Native climber for fences and pergolas
• Woodland and forest gardens
• Ecological restoration
• Wildlife gardens
• Screening and vertical interest
• Nectar source for native insects

Appearance:

Growth habit:
An evergreen woody climber with slender ribbed stems that twine through surrounding vegetation. Young stems are sparsely hairy and become smooth with age.

Leaves:
Leaves are arranged oppositely and usually divided into three leaflets, although the leaflets themselves are highly variable in shape. They may be lance-shaped, ovate or triangular, with margins ranging from smooth to toothed or deeply lobed. Foliage varies from dark green to grey-green and is often thinner on juvenile plants.

Flowers:
Flowers are cream to pale yellow and pleasantly spicy-scented. They occur singly or in clusters and are up to 4 cm across. The 5–6 sepals are often flushed reddish-brown at the base and may be softly hairy, giving the flowers a delicate, silky appearance.

Fruit:
Produces numerous hairy achenes topped with long white feathery styles that form attractive silky seed heads lasting well after flowering.

Ecology:
Seeds are dispersed by wind. Flowers attract a variety of native insects and the dense climbing growth provides habitat for birds and invertebrates. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

Associated habitats:
Lowland forest, forest margins, regenerating bush, stream margins, scrublands and open woodland.

How to grow:
Plant in moist, well-drained soil with the roots shaded and the stems able to climb into sunlight. Provide a trellis, fence or shrub for support. Water during dry periods while establishing and mulch to retain moisture.

Propagation:
Easily grown from fresh seed, which germinates after a cool period. Semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken. Growing from seed produces both male and female plants, which are needed for seed production.

Cultural use:
Known by the Māori name Puataua, this species is an important component of New Zealand forest margins and is one of the country’s characteristic native climbers.

Garden value:
A versatile and beautiful native climber with fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and ornamental seed heads. Its adaptability and long flowering season make it an excellent choice for native gardens, woodland plantings and naturalistic landscapes.