Lobster Claw 'Albus'

The white-flowered version of the Lobster Claw or Parrot's Bill is a striking and exotic-looking evergreen climber for the milder UK garden. It features attractive, fern-like pinnate foliage and produces pendulous clusters of large, creamy-white flowers that strongly resemble a lobster's claw. It is a somewhat tender plant (H3), so in most of the UK, it requires the protection of a warm, south-facing wall or a conservatory. In coastal or urban areas, it can thrive outdoors with minimal protection. It has a somewhat lax, scrambling habit and needs to be tied to a support system. It prefers a sheltered spot away from cold, drying winds and a well-drained, fertile soil. This cultivar offers a cooler, more contemporary look than the standard red species and is a real conversation piece when in full bloom in late spring. Pruning is best kept to a minimum, simply removing dead or crossing branches after flowering to maintain its structure.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.