Common Name:
Akakura, Carmine Rata, Red Rata.
Description:
From the same family as the Pohutukawa, the rata is a robust New Zealand native climber or bush that forms a great display of glossy deep green leaves.
Flower:
The deep carmine rose flowers with contrasting yellow centre covering the whole plant through spring.
Size:
5m x3m spread once fully established.
Growing Conditions:
Generally easy to grow, they prefer cooler semi shaded positions. Deeply worked and moisture retentive soils. Shelter from heavy frosts.
Care:
Low maintenance climber that basically looks after its self.
Uses:
· Creates a spectacular display over any wall or fence.
· Great for attracting birds.
· The shrub form looks great among divaricating plants for example Muechlenbeckia astonii.
Comments:
An interesting fact is that if cuttings are taken from mature branches the plant will become a small shrub growing 1m x 1m.