ngutukākā

Clianthus maximus | kākābeak, kōwhai ngutu-kākā, kākā beak

 

This hardy evergreen shrub produces spectacular clusters of large, bright red, beak-shaped flowers from winter through spring, attracting nectar-feeding birds. It grows well in full sun or light shade, adapts to most well-drained soils, and tolerates dry conditions once established. Striking in mixed plantings or mass displays, it also works beautifully in containers, as a feature plant, or to soften walls and outdoor spaces.

successional shrubland
cliff faces

moist

well drained

free draining

dry

full sun

partial shade

height | 1.5m

width | 2m

flowering | August - January

fruiting | Seed pods may be present at any time of the year

C. maximus has been classified as 'Nationally Critical' since 2009. Fewer than 200 plants are confirmed in the wild, mostly in the East Coast and northern Hawke’s Bay regions, where populations are threatened by browsing animals, disease, fire, and erosion.