Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) Clematis paniculata
Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) (Clematis paniculata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 4–10 m (13–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 4–10 m (13–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts
Protoanemonin, as in other clematis: irritant and emetic.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis)
- How far apart should I plant Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) flower?
- From about August for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Protoanemonin, as in other clematis: irritant and emetic.
- What grows well with Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Puawānanga (New Zealand clematis). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Cascades of large white flowers in the forest canopy in early spring. Roots cool and shaded, top in the sun.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
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- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger