Clianthus puniceus 'Roseus'

Clianthus puniceus 'Roseus' is a New Zealand endemic shrub known as kaka beak. It has lush, fern-like, pinnate foliage and large, striking, pea-family type flowers with elongated and pointed petals. The buds are deep pink opening to pinkish red flowers. (Flowers will likely be more pink than the photograph.) Evergreen in milder climates but likely semi-evergreen to deciduous in colder zones. Also known as parrot's beak, parrot's bill, and lobster claw. Makes an easy container plant that can be protected in winter in colder zones including as a houseplant. In NZ the flowers are primarily bird pollinated. Whether it attracts any of our birds is yet to be seen but we would think that hummingbirds would show great interest. Photo: Wikipedia.

Just about the boldest most tropically stupendous plant the mind can imagine! Blooms Spring thru Summer with huge clusters (up to 15 flowers in each) of 6” long, flamingo pink, lobster-claw-shaped blooms that dangle in masses all throughout the plant. Naturally forms a multi-branching 4’ tall by 8’ wide shrub of arching stems and pretty fern-like evergreen foliage. Can be grown in a large container like a half wine barrel, where it will be a commanding presence! A magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. Provide fertile well-draining soil and full sun (coast-side) to part shade (inland). Resents consistently hot weather with warm night time temps. Hardy to 25 degrees.