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Clianthus puniceus

Family
Ranunculaceae

Distribution
Now very rare in the wild, it is only found in one or two places in the north of New Zealand.

Description
Kaka beak is named after its large clusters of beautiful pendulous red flowers, which are reminiscent of a Kaka's beak. A shrub growing up to 2m high by 2m wide, it has quite a sprawling form with arching branches of fern-like, light-green leaves, and flowers in spring.

Cultivation
It likes a dry site, being intolerant of water-logged soils and needs to be protected from heavy frosts. It likes full sun, but can tolerate light shade where it becomes more open in form and its flowers more prominent, however it can be pruned to keep a tight shape. It is a great plant in a small garden, where it can be planted alone as a specimen shrub or amongst others and even trained as a climber over a pergola or railing.

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