Clematis paniculata (Puawhananga)

Clematis paniculata

Not Threatened

Clematis paniculata, commonly known as Puawhananga, is New Zealand's most spectacular native climber, draping forest edges with a breathtaking display of large star-shaped white flowers in spring. This vigorous vine creates stunning visual impact as it climbs through trees and shrubs, with its magnificent blooms signaling the arrival of warmer weather. Clematis paniculata is particularly valued for its ability to transform landscapes with its prolific flowering and robust growth habit. native trees

Clematis paniculata (New Zealand Clematis)

Image credit: Clematis paniculata (Puawhananga) in full bloom. Image by Kahuroa [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Clematis paniculata
Height	Up to 10 m (33 ft) as a climber
Spread	2–4 m (6–13 ft) wide, depending on support
Water Needs	Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance	Moderate; tolerates light to moderate frosts
Salt Tolerance	Moderate; tolerates some coastal exposure
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	Perennial; long-lived in suitable conditions

Climate Best Suited To

Distribution Map

Clematis paniculata is found throughout New Zealand, from lowland forests to montane regions, especially in forest margins and clearings. It is most common in the North Island and northern South Island.

City	Suitability
Whangārei	Ideal
Auckland	Ideal
Hamilton	Ideal
Tauranga	Ideal
Rotorua	Ideal
Gisborne	Ideal
New Plymouth	Ideal
Napier	Ideal
Whanganui	Ideal
Palmerston North	Ideal
Wellington	Ideal
Nelson	Ideal
Christchurch	Good
Dunedin	Good
Invercargill	Moderate

Growing Requirements

Clematis paniculata has specific growing requirements that reflect its natural habitat preferences. Understanding these requirements is crucial for successfully growing Clematis paniculata in your garden. When properly cared for, Clematis paniculata will reward you with its spectacular floral display.

Soil Requirements

is remarkably adaptable to different soil conditions:

Tolerates a wide range of soil types from clay to sandy
Prefers well-draining soils but can handle occasional waterlogging
Thrives in moderately fertile soils but will grow in poor soils too
Can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH
Handles coastal conditions including salt spray

Light Requirements

s are sun-lovers that perform best with:

Full sun for optimal growth and form
Can tolerate partial shade but may develop a leggier form
At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal
Northern or eastern exposures work well in garden settings

Water Requirements

Once established, s are drought-tolerant:

Moderate watering during establishment (first 1-2 years)
Drought-tolerant once established
Can handle periods of soil saturation
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and crown rot

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Climbing over pergolas and arches
Training against walls and fences
Scrambling through trees and shrubs
Feature plant for spring display
Native garden focal point

Traditional indicator of spring's arrival for Māori
Valued in traditional ecological knowledge
Associated with seasonal harvesting times
Featured in traditional stories and art
Known as "Puawhananga" (flower of the skies) in te reo Māori

Provides nectar for native insects
Adds structural diversity to forest edges
Habitat for small birds and insects
Contributes to forest succession

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New growth begins
Apply a balanced fertilizer if desired (though not usually necessary)
A good time to plant new specimens or divide offsets
Monitor for new pest activity

Summer

Flowering typically occurs in early summer
Water young trees during extended dry periods
Look out for infestations of moth caterpillars
No pruning needed during the growing season

Autumn

White or cream berries develop and ripen
Natural leaf shedding occurs (normal part of growth cycle)
Good time for planting new specimens
Clean up fallen leaves if desired

Winter

Generally dormant with minimal growth
No special winter protection needed in most of New Zealand
Suitable time for pruning if needed
Fallen leaves can be left as mulch or removed for tidiness

When to Prune and How Much

Clematis paniculata should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems, and trim back to healthy buds to encourage vigorous flowering. Light pruning is usually sufficient, as this species blooms on new growth. Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering for the season.

Planting Guide

When to Plant

The best time to plant s is during autumn or spring when soil temperatures are mild and rainfall is typically more reliable. This gives the roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold.

Site Selection

Choose a site with:

Full sun to partial shade
Well-draining soil (though adaptable to most soil types)
Protection from strong winds for young plants
Adequate space for mature growth (5-10m tall and 2-3m spread)

Planting Procedure

Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball
Add compost or well-rotted manure to heavy clay soils to improve drainage
Position the plant so the crown sits at soil level
Backfill with soil, gently firming down to remove air pockets
Create a watering basin around the plant
Water thoroughly after planting
Apply a 5-10cm layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk

Initial Care

Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry periods. After establishment, s are quite drought-tolerant but will grow more lushly with regular watering.

Propagation Methods

Puawhananga (Clematis paniculata) can be propagated from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Sow seeds in autumn in a well-draining mix; germination may take several months. Cuttings taken in late summer root best when treated with rooting hormone and kept in a humid environment. Young plants benefit from regular watering and protection from strong sun and wind.

Cultural History

The () holds profound significance in Māori culture and history, serving as both a practical resource and a cultural symbol for generations:

Traditional Uses

Food Source: The roots and young shoots were cooked in earth ovens (hāngī) to produce a sweet food called kāuru, rich in carbohydrates
Medicine: Various parts were used to treat wounds, diarrhea, and other ailments
Fiber: The leaves provided durable fiber (muka) for making sandals (pāraerae), waterproof rain capes, and baskets
Shelter: The leaves were used for thatching temporary shelters

Cultural Significance

The trees were often planted to mark trails, boundaries, and urupā (burial grounds)
They served as markers for good fishing and eeling spots
Their distinctive form made them important landmarks for navigation
Plantings often indicated the location of marae (meeting grounds) or settlements
Certain trees were considered tapu (sacred) and associated with tribal histories

Early European History

Early settlers used the leaves as emergency food for cattle during droughts
The young inner shoots were sometimes eaten as a substitute for cabbage (hence the common name)
The trees became iconic features of the developing pastoral landscape
They were commonly planted as specimen trees around homesteads

Contemporary Cultural Role

Today, the continues to be an iconic symbol of New Zealand identity, featuring in art, literature, and landscape design. The species has come to represent resilience and adaptation – qualities shared by both the plant and the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Pests & Diseases

Sudden Decline Syndrome

Cause: A phytoplasma (bacterial pathogen) spread by introduced passion vine hoppers
Symptoms: Leaves yellow and die from the crown down; leaf bases often rot inside the crown; leaves fall but remain hanging down the trunk
Management: No cure is available. Remove and destroy affected trees to prevent spread. Plant resistant selections where possible

Moth (Epiphryne verriculata)

Damage: Caterpillars feed on leaves, creating distinctive notched patterns and sometimes completely defoliating young plants
Symptoms: Semicircular notches around leaf edges; webbing between leaves; caterpillar frass (droppings)
Management: Natural infestation is rarely serious enough to warrant control. For severe cases on small plants, remove caterpillars manually or apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray

Leaf Spot Diseases

Cause: Various fungal pathogens including Septoria species
Symptoms: Small brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with yellow halos; spots may enlarge and merge in severe infections
Management: Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove severely affected leaves; apply copper-based fungicide for valuable specimens if necessary

Root and Crown Rot

Cause: Phytophthora and other soil-borne pathogens, usually associated with poor drainage
Symptoms: Wilting despite adequate soil moisture; yellowing leaves; slow growth; soft, discolored tissue at the crown
Management: Improve drainage; avoid overwatering; ensure crown is not buried too deeply; avoid soil compaction around the base

Other Pests

Scale insects: Can colonize leaves and stems, causing yellowing and reduced vigor
Mealybugs: Sometimes infest the crown and leaf bases
Rabbits and hares: May damage young plants by chewing bark and shoots

Most established s are resilient enough to recover from pest and disease issues without intervention. For valuable specimen trees, consult with a professional arborist or horticulturist for specific treatment recommendations.

Bonus Tip

To maximize the beauty of Puawānanga, plant it where the scented flowers can be appreciated up close—near entrances, pathways, or seating areas. The intoxicating fragrance is strongest in the evening and early morning, making it perfect for areas where you spend time during these hours.