How to Grow Lobster Claw
Clianthus puniceus
Plant Lobster Claw against a warm south- or west-facing wall in full sun with sharply drained soil. In the UK, wall protection is essential — it tolerates brief light frosts but will be damaged below -5°C. Tie new scrambling stems to wires as they grow. Water moderately; never allow roots to sit in wet soil. Feed in spring and after flowering. Prune lightly after the spectacular scarlet flower clusters fade in early summer. In cold gardens, grow in a large pot and bring under glass before autumn frosts.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Spring with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser. Give a second feed in early summer after flowering finishes to support new growth.
Watch For
- Slugs and snails on new shoots
- Glasshouse red spider mite in hot dry conditions
- Aphids on shoot tips
- Root rot in waterlogged winter soil
- Frost damage to stems
Companions
Ceanothus, Fremontodendron, Abutilon, Star Jasmine, Agapanthus
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; warm sheltered south- or west-facing wall
Requires maximum sun to ripen new wood and produce prolific flower buds. A warm sheltered wall provides essential winter frost protection and reflected heat. Avoid shaded or north-facing positions.
Watering
Moderate; never waterlogged
Water moderately during dry spells in spring and summer. Well-drained soil is critical — root rot in wet winter soil is the most common cause of plant loss. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter.
Fertilizing
Balanced feed in spring; second feed after flowering
Apply a balanced general fertiliser in spring as growth resumes. Give a second feed in early summer immediately after flowering to support the summer growth flush. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote soft leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Light prune after flowering in early summer
Prune lightly in June to July after the flowers fade. Shorten flowered shoots back to healthy side buds and tie new growth to support wires. Remove any dead or crossing stems. Avoid cutting into old woody growth as regeneration from old wood is poor.
Spacing
150–200 cm from other wall plants
Allow at least 150 cm between plants when wall-training. The scrambling habit needs adequate space to spread. In containers, use a pot at least 45–50 cm in diameter.
Support
Horizontal wires or trellis required
Clianthus does not self-cling or twine — it must be tied to horizontal wires or trellis fixed to the wall. Set wires 30–45 cm apart. Fan out new stems as they grow and tie in regularly throughout the growing season.
