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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.

Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like leaves. It typically grows to 75 cm tall and the same wide, but will spread to colonise a larger area with time.

From $16.49

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
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.

From $37.19

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
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
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
Ribes rubrum red berries on a shrub.
Ribes rubrum

Ribes rubrum is a productive red currant species valued for its bright, tangy berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$30.29
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...

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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...

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Clematis paniculata white flowers.
Clematis paniculata

Clematis paniculata, known as Puawhananga, is a stunning native New Zealand climber celebrated for its masses of fragrant white flowers in spring and...

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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...

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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...

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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-mayleen-
Clematis montana 'Mayleen'

Clematis montana 'Mayleen' is a vigorous deciduous climber prized for its masses of fragrant pink flowers and attractive bronze tinted new foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
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-warszawska-nike-
Clematis 'Warszawska Nike'

Clematis 'Warszawska Nike' is a vigorous deciduous climber renowned for its large velvety deep purple flowers with contrasting golden stamens...

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Clematis Allanah dark pink flower.
Clematis 'Allanah'

Clematis 'Allanah' is a striking deciduous climber valued for its large, richly coloured flowers and vigorous climbing habit. The bold blooms create...

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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 Ken Donson growing against a wall with blue flowers.
Clematis 'Ken Donson'

Clematis 'Ken Donson' is an attractive deciduous climber valued for its large, richly coloured flowers and vigorous climbing habit. The striking...

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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 'Honora' dark pink flower.
Clematis 'Honora'

Clematis 'Honora' is a beautiful deciduous climber admired for its large lavender purple flowers with creamy white stamens that bloom from summer...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis 'Alice Fisk' purple flowers.
Clematis 'Alice Fisk'

Clematis 'Alice Fisk' is a beautiful deciduous climbing vine grown for its masses of elegant flowers that create a spectacular display from spring...

OUT OF STOCK
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-josephine-
Clematis 'Josephine'

Clematis 'Josephine' is an elegant deciduous climber prized for its large double flowers in soft pink to mauve tones. The layered blooms create an...

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clematis-duchess-of-edinburgh-3
Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh'

Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is an elegant deciduous climber prized for its large double white flowers and refined climbing habit. The layered...

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
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Clematis, Disphyma, and Juncus, or related Categories - Currants, Deciduous Climbers, and Grasses.

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.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Gardenia 'Veitchii' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) are beloved staples, but Plum Black Doris, Apple 'Wandin Glory', and Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose) bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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