Clianthus puniceus aka Glory Pea

Clianthus puniceus is an evergreen shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. It comes from the northwest of New Zealand’s North Island. Its names include kaka beak, glory pea, and parrot’s bill. It keeps its leaves through winter and can climb. Its stems scramble, which makes it useful beside a wall. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists it as a specimen plant, grown on its own for show.

The RHS says this shrub reaches about 10 feet [3 metres]. In gardens, its height and spread range from 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. The dark green leaves are pinnate, with separate leaflets. Groups of blooms hang down against the dark leaves. The RHS lists bright red blooms about 0.23 feet [0.07 metres] long. It gives early summer as the main bloom season. Chicago Botanic Garden lists pink blooms from May through October. The sources differ on both bloom colour and season.

Give this shrub a warm, sheltered spot where water drains well. The RHS favours full sun; Chicago also lists part shade. The RHS guidance suits a site facing south or west. It grows in both loam and sandy soil. The soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. The supplied care data gives a moderate need for water. The RHS stresses that the soil must drain well. Borders beside walls suit the way its stems climb.

Grow it outdoors in mild areas, not those with harsh winters. The RHS gives a UK hardiness rating of H3. This covers coastal areas and other mild parts of the country. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 8–11. It can also grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Chicago Botanic Garden says the blooms draw birds and butterflies. This brings wildlife to a shrub grown for show.

Prune just after the blooms fade, not before they open. Cut back shoots that have bloomed by no more than one-third of their length. Grow new plants from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. These cuttings use stems that have begun to turn woody. Watch for glasshouse red spider mites and mealybugs. The RHS reports few problems with disease overall. The supplied sources do not establish edible uses or toxicity.