Clematis forsteri Plant Care
Clematis forsteri J.F.Gmel.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clematis forsteri, the Forster's clematis, pōānanga, small white clematis, or pikiarero, is a species of flowering plant that is endemic to New Zealand.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Clematis forsteri?
Water Clematis forsteri every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Clematis forsteri Native To?
What Is the Clematis forsteri?
Clematis forsteri (Clematis forsteri) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Clematis genus. Clematis forsteri is native to New Zealand.
Clematis forsteri displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Clematis forsteri produces large, showy flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Clematis forsteri?
Clematis forsteri requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Clematis forsteri Need?
Clematis forsteri thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Clematis forsteri Prefer?
Clematis forsteri grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Clematis forsteri prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Clematis forsteri?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Clematis forsteri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Clematis forsteri?
Feed Clematis forsteri every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Clematis forsteri?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Clematis forsteri?
Clematis forsteri can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to italian clematis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Clematis forsteri Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Clematis forsteri?
Clematis forsteri is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Clematis forsteri Need?
Clematis forsteri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Clematis forsteri is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Clematis forsteri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Clematis forsteri is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Clematis genus — compare its care with other Clematis species on PlantoScan.
Clematis is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Clematis forsteri thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Clematis Species
Other Clematis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clematis forsteri J.F.Gmel., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Syst. Nat. ed. 13[bis] : 873 (1791)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Clematis forsteri is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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