Clematis is flowering beautifully throughout Waitakere Ranges.

Although I hear it’s very hard to get established I’m going to try growing it.  I contacted Oratia Natives to find out if there is  one specific to Piha and they came back very quickly to tell me there is.

It’s Clematis forsteri  and there is also one native to the Waitakeres called  Clematis paniculata  and they had both in stock.   I immediately order 3 of each, left, and I’ll let you know how I go establishing them.

I understand their roots need to be in a cold sheltered area and covered with lots and lots of old leaves sticks etc for best chances of survival.   Here is a great article to read about where they are naturally found.