Clianthus maximus

Also Known As

Giant Parrot's Beak

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 5'-10'
W: 5'-10'

planting zones

8a-10b

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Clianthus maximus plant details

Clianthus maximus is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clianthus maximus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 10 FT - wide, 5 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, exotic, trellis, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clianthus maximus

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clianthus puniceus is a spectacular plant all on its own, but what if I told you there was a BIGGER Clianthus, with showier, more deeply colored blooms? Intrigued? You should be! Woody & evergreen, it grows to 10’ – in what dimension we’re not yet sure & like C. puniceus, the ultimate form depends largely on how you train it. This lax-stemmed shrub (or small tree) blooms in early Spring with outrageous clusters of red pea flowers that resemble a pendant bouquet of lobster claws. The long branches are easily trained as an espalier – a perfect way to killclass up any chain-link fence! Rarity factor runs high in this genus - like C. puniceus, this species is endangered in the wild, with only 153 specimens remaining at last survey in 2005. Rich soil is best & though it can be grown in a LARGE pot, we’ve found that the plant grows better in the ground.