Some gifts carry a story, and this one carries a little piece of Aotearoa. Our Kākābeak is a striking native gift with a special place in our natural heritage. A statement to remember in the garden with its bunches of red flowers.
Every plant grown in a garden helps protect this taonga for the future. It is a gift with real meaning for anyone who loves our native plants and birds.
- Sun or part shade
- Light frost tolerant
- Pot friendly
- Pet safe
- Boxed nationwideCouriered anywhere in NZ
- Your messageOn a printed gift card
- 100% NZ ownedOwned, operated and grown here
Why It's A Great Gift
Brilliant red, beak-shaped blooms loved by native birds
Kākābeak is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular native shrubs, with hanging clusters of brilliant red flowers shaped like the beak of the kākā parrot. The blooms appear from late winter through spring, set against soft, fern-like leaves on long, arching branches.
Its flowers are rich in nectar, bringing tūī and other native birds to the garden. Rare in the wild, every garden plant helps keep this taonga thriving, making it a meaningful gift for a native garden lover, a new home or a special milestone.
Care at a glance
Bold, native and fast growing
Sun, free-draining soil and shelter from frost help this kākābeak thrive. Here is what it needs.
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Light
Sun or part shade
Grows most compact and flowers best in full sun. It copes with some shade, but grows more open.
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Water
Water weekly
Water young plants regularly, especially over summer. It dislikes wet feet, so avoid waterlogged soil. Plants in pots dry out quickly and need more frequent watering.
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Climate
Light frost tolerant
Established plants cope with light frosts, but protect young plants and avoid frost-prone spots in colder areas.
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Soil
Free-draining
Prefers free-draining soil enriched with compost. In heavy clay, plant on a raised mound to improve drainage.
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Size
Around 2 - 3m tall
A fast-growing, sprawling shrub around 2–3m wide. Prune after flowering to keep it compact, or train its arching branches along a fence or sunny wall.
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Pets
Pet safe
Kākābeak is not known to be toxic to cats and dogs, though, as with any plant, chewing may cause a mild upset tummy.
Clianthus, the kākābeak or kōwhai ngutukākā, named for its flowers shaped like the beak of the kākā.
Origins
Kākābeak is found only in New Zealand, where it once grew on sunny cliffs, slips and riverbanks in the North Island, particularly along the East Coast and in Te Urewera. Today it is critically endangered in the wild, with only a small number of plants remaining.
Māori cultivated kākābeak and valued its nectar-rich flowers, which were used to feed tūī. As a member of the pea family, it can fix its own nitrogen, helping it grow well even in poorer soils.
Questions
Something else? Get in touch, we're happy to help.
Is a Kaka Beak - Native Plant easy to care for?
Yes. It is fast growing and easy to keep in shape. Plant it in a sunny, free-draining spot, water young plants over summer, and prune after flowering.
Check for the native black, hairy caterpillar, which can strip leaves overnight, and protect young plants from slugs, snails and rabbits.
How much light does a Kaka Beak - Native Plant need?
Full sun gives the most compact growth and the best flowering. It grows in part shade too, but becomes more open.
How often should I water a Kaka Beak - Native Plant?
Water regularly while it establishes, especially during summer. Established plants cope well with dry spells, but plants in pots dry out quickly. Avoid soggy soil, as it does not like wet feet.
Does a Kaka Beak - Native Plant need warmth/humidity?
It enjoys a warm, sunny, sheltered spot and copes well with wind and coastal conditions. Protect young plants from frost, especially in colder areas. It needs no extra humidity.
Is a Kaka Beak - Native Plant safe for pets?
Kākābeak is not known to be toxic to cats and dogs. Even so, it is best to discourage pets from chewing the plant.
What people say
5.0 from 2 reviews
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Mothers day gift.
Henry C · -
Good alternative gift, will grow for years. Well packaged and delivered quickly. The plant itself is lovely.
Mia Hayes ·
Delivery times
North Island
We aim to deliver orders received by 10am (Monday to Friday) to main North Island centres the next working day. Add 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
South Island
Deliveries to South Island main centres take 2-3 working days if received before 10am, plus 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
General
We are also unable to arrange delivery on weekends.
We will do our best to deliver on days specified, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee.
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