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nz clematis species

New Zealand is home to some truly remarkable native clematis vines that bring a distinctive beauty to both wild landscapes and local gardens. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast hoping to identify native varieties or a gardener searching for NZ clematis species to add to your backyard, understanding what makes these climbers unique will help you select the perfect plant. With a long tradition of garden use and ecological value, native clematis have become a cherished choice for Kiwis seeking low-maintenance, vigorous, and floriferous vines with a sense of place.

Clematis paniculata white flowers.

Clematis paniculata

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Clematis paniculata, known as Puawhananga, is a stunning native New Zealand climber celebrated for its masses of fragrant white flowers in spring and early summer. This deciduous vine grows rapidly and is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or scrambling through trees. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and cool roots. As a symbol of spring in Māori tradition, Puawhananga brings beauty, fragrance, and cultural significance to both native and ornamental gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, White
Clematis montana 'Rubens' pink flower with purple-green foliage.

Clematis montana 'Rubens'

Clematis montana ‘Rubens’ is a vigorous and stunning deciduous climber known for its profusion of soft pink, vanilla-scented flowers in spring. The blooms contrast beautifully with the bronze-tinged foliage, creating an impressive display on fences, pergolas, and trellises. Perfect for covering large areas quickly, ‘Rubens’ thrives in most NZ gardens and rewards with low maintenance and long-lasting beauty. It’s a classic choice for adding romance, colour, and fragrance to outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$16.49
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
Clematis hookeriana flowers.
Clematis hookeriana

Clematis hookeriana is a rare and charming NZ native clematis species valued for its delicate white, bell shaped flowers that appear in spring. Its...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis marmoraria plant with yellow flowers.
Clematis marmoraria

Clematis marmoraria is grown for its delicate and pretty flowers. The flowers are cream-green and produced en masse through spring. The foliage is...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis jackmanii superba growing on a fence with purple flowers.
Clematis jackmanii Superba

Clematis jackmanii Superba is a classic and much loved clematis variety known for its large, velvety purple flowers that bloom profusely from mid to...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis montana 'Freda' pink flowers.
Clematis montana rubens 'Freda'

Clematis montana rubens ‘Freda’ is a compact deciduous climber producing masses of rich deep pink flowers in late spring. The blooms are set against...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis montana 'Marjorie' flowers.
Clematis montana 'Marjorie'

Clematis montana ‘Marjorie’ is a vigorous deciduous climber prized for its profusion of semi-double, soft pink flowers in late spring. Each bloom...

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Clematis integrifolia plant with blue flowers and lush green foliage.
Clematis integrifolia

Clematis integrifolia is a hardy and compact clematis variety prized for its nodding, bell shaped blue flowers that bloom from late spring through...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis cartmanii white flowers.
Clematis cartmanii

Clematis cartmanii is a vigorous, evergreen climber that features scrambling stems with leathery, dark green foliage. It produces masses of sweetly...

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Clematis afoliata yellow flowers.
Clematis afoliata

Clematis afoliata is a slender, scrambling vine that does not carry leaves. During spring the plants burst into flower with masses of fragrant...

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Clematis forsteri cream-yellow flowers in a large cluster.
Clematis forsteri

Clematis forsteri is a NZ native climber that features showy and scented, white flowers in spring. The flowers are contrasted nicely by the dark...

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Clematis 'John Warren' pink and white flowers.
Clematis 'John Warren'

Clematis 'John Warren' is a striking clematis variety admired for its large, star shaped flowers with lilac pink petals and striking magenta veining...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'Arabella' light purple flowers.
Clematis 'Arabella'

Clematis 'Arabella' is a delightful, non climbing clematis variety admired for its masses of rich purple blue flowers produced throughout summer. It...

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Clematis 'Henryi' white flowers with green foliage growing on a trellis.
Clematis 'Henryi'

Clematis 'Henryi' is a magnificent large flowering clematis that produces showy pure white blooms with striking golden stamens. Flowering from late...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis montana climber growing up a trellis with masses of elegant, pink flowers.
Clematis montana

Clematis montana is a very hardy and vigorous climber that produces masses of light pink flowers from spring through summer. The foliage is dark...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' flowers.
Clematis Guernsey Cream

Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' is a beautiful large flowering clematis with creamy white blooms that emerge with a hint of green before fading to pure...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'Elsa Spath' purple and pink flower.
Clematis 'Elsa Spath'

Clematis 'Elsa Spath' is a classic large flowering clematis prized for its stunning violet blue blooms with striking red anthers. Flowering from late...

OUT OF STOCK
clematis-wadas-primrose-5
Clematis 'Wada's Primrose'

Clematis 'Wadas Primrose' is a beautiful deciduous climber admired for its large soft primrose yellow flowers that bring elegant colour to the garden...

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Clematis durandii purple flowers.
Clematis 'Durandii'

Clematis 'Durandii' is a striking clematis variety renowned for its large, velvety, deep blue flowers that bloom over a long summer season. Unlike...

OUT OF STOCK
clematis-aotearoa-
Clematis 'Aotearoa'

Clematis 'Aotearoa' is a stunning deciduous climbing plant prized for its large violet blue flowers with creamy centres that create a spectacular...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'Vagabond' purple flower.
Clematis 'Vagabond'

Clematis 'Vagabond' is grown for its exquisite flowers. It produces showy, dark purple flowers en masse from spring through summer. The foliage is...

OUT OF STOCK
clematis-lincoln-star-
Clematis Lincoln Star

Clematis Lincoln Star is a deciduous climber grown for its flowers and vigorous growth. It produces large and showy, two-toned pink flowers from late...

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Clematis 'Louise Rowe' pink flowers.
Clematis 'Louise Rowe'

Clematis 'Louise Rowe' is grown for its pretty and decadent flowers. It produces showy, lavender-pink flowers from spring through summer. The foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'Nelly Moser' growing on a trellis with pink flowers and green foliage.
Clematis 'Nelly Moser'

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' is a deciduous climber featuring exquisite flowers. It produces masses of large, showy, two-toned pink flowers. These are...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'HF-Young' blue flowers.
Clematis 'HF Young'

Clematis 'HF Young' is grown for its beautiful and showy flowers. The large flowers are mid-blue and produced en masse through spring and summer. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis armandii white flowers.
Clematis armandii

Clematis armandii is a vigorous, evergreen climber admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers in early spring. Native...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis paniculata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Clematis, Juncus, and Laurelia, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, and Flaxes.

Search nz clematis species

Distinctive Features of NZ Clematis Species

NZ clematis species stand out thanks to their lush foliage, vigorous climbing habit, and beautiful white or cream blooms that illuminate spring and early summer gardens. Unlike many imported clematis, our local species have adapted to New Zealand’s variable conditions, often thriving with minimal care. Known for attracting native pollinators and providing seasonal interest, these vines are perfect for covering fences, scrambling through trees, or adding vertical emphasis to sheltered spots.

Popular NZ Clematis Species for Kiwi Gardens

Among native clematis, Clematis paniculata—commonly called puawhananga or the New Zealand clematis—is the best known. In late winter to early spring, this vine smothers itself in starry, white flowers, creating a breathtaking display. Well-suited for trellises or naturalising up established trees, Clematis paniculata is both hardy and easy to grow, needing only occasional pruning.

Another native gem, Clematis marmoraria, features creamy-white, scented flowers on compact, wiry stems. This smaller NZ clematis species is ideal for rockeries, pots, or shady banks where it can spread gently.

Though less known, Clematis hookeriana offers delicate blooms and a feathery seed silhouette. It’s a must-have for those who appreciate subtlety in their native plant palette and want to support local ecosystems.

International varieties like Clematis jackmanii Superba and Clematis montana rubens 'Freda' are lovely climbers widely grown in New Zealand, though they’re not true NZ clematis species. However, they’re perfect for gardeners seeking a wider range of flower colours or more compact climbers that blend beautifully with natives.

Planting and Care of NZ Clematis Species

NZ clematis species thrive in moist, well-drained soil with roots shaded and tops in the sun or dappled light—mimicking their natural forest-edge habitats. These vines benefit from mulching and occasional feeding, but avoid disturbing their roots when planting. Regularly prune after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and encourage strong flowering the next season.

If you’re looking to add both beauty and ecological value to your landscape, select NZ clematis species such as Clematis paniculata or Clematis marmoraria for a genuine local touch. For more climber inspiration, explore Clematis hookeriana, Clematis jackmanii Superba, or the romantic Clematis montana rubens 'Freda'—all available in our collection. With the right NZ clematis species, your garden can celebrate New Zealand’s unique botanical heritage every spring.


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