Botanical name:

Clematis paniculata

Common name(s):

White clematis, puawananga

About:

The most recognised species of Clematis in New Zealand is a captivating climber that produces an abundance of white flowers cascading from the treetops during spring, accompanied by delicate feathery seed heads. Once established, it is a robust and vigorous plant.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane in shrub-land or tall forest (up to 1000m).

Growing environment:

Frost tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands. Naturalised on Chatham Island.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

July – November with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - January

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food

How to grow:

Easily grown from seed. Can be grown by cuttings but these can be fickle and slow to strike. Prefers to be planted a permanently damp but not sopping soil, in a situation where it can grow up into the sun. Its root stock should never be allowed to dry out. In humid climates prone to powdery mildew.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though