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fragrant nz native plants

If you’re dreaming of a garden filled with delightful scents and a sense of local identity, exploring fragrant NZ native plants is a rewarding journey. Not only do these plants provide captivating aromas, but they also support native wildlife, adapt beautifully to New Zealand’s climate, and bring a unique sense of place to your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a native garden, establishing a wildlife corridor, or simply searching for a few sensory highlights around your outdoor seating area, there’s a fragrant NZ native plant to suit almost every situation.

Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen tree produces glossy green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by orange fruit that attract kererū and other native birds. It is an important species for biodiversity and a striking addition to native gardens and restoration projects.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.

Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in winter. This evergreen tree is unique as it flowers and fruits directly from its trunk and branches, producing orange capsules that open to reveal red seeds. Kohekohe is a striking specimen tree, bringing beauty, fragrance, and ecological value to NZ gardens and landscapes.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, White
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$15.04
leptospermum-wairere-
Leptospermum 'Wairere'

Leptospermum 'Wairere' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of attractive flowers through spring and summer. This...

From$27.53
Pittosporum tobira green foliage and elegant white flowers.
Pittosporum tobira (Australian Laurel)

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or mock orange, is a versatile, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and...

From$22.01
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its intensely perfumed, star-shaped white flowers and glossy green foliage...

From$18.95
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$11.95
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

From$11.95
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$48.96
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$79.20
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
Hedycarya arborea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Disphyma, and Dysoxylum, or related Categories - Flaxes, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

Search fragrant nz native plants

Why Choose Fragrant NZ Native Plants?

Fragrant NZ native plants are a smart choice for eco-conscious gardeners and those seeking low-maintenance beauty. They offer subtle and sometimes surprising floral and foliage aromas that can evoke memories of bush walks or summer breezes. Unlike many introduced scented plants, New Zealand natives are naturally adapted to the Aotearoa environment, making them hardy and resilient across a range of situations.

Top Picks for Fragrant NZ Native Plants

Some of the most sought-after fragrant NZ native plants include both well-known species and lesser-celebrated treasures.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is a spreading groundcover that delights with its clusters of tiny, sweetly scented white flowers from spring to early summer. Its compact form is perfect for borders, rockeries, and coastal gardens, bringing both fragrance and a soft visual appeal.

Hedycarya arborea
Hedycarya arborea, known as pigeonwood, offers scented greenish-cream flowers and lush evergreen foliage. It’s a fantastic medium-sized tree for shelter, shade, and supporting native birdlife with its fruit.

Olearia paniculata (Akiraho)
Olearia paniculata (Akiraho) is a hardy, coastal shrub or hedge plant, producing heavily perfumed, creamy white flower clusters in spring. Its wavy, yellowish-green leaves add textural interest, and the rich perfume attracts both people and pollinators.

Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany) is best known for its striking, honey-scented flowers in late spring. This elegant tree makes a bold statement in larger gardens and offers year-round appeal with glossy leaves and a stately form.

While not strictly native, companion planting with aromatic species like Mint Plant can enhance your garden’s sensory impact by layering scent and attracting beneficial insects.

Gardening Tips for Fragrant NZ Native Plants

To make the most of fragrant NZ native plants, consider planting them near entrances, walkways, or seating areas where their scent will be most appreciated. Many natives thrive with minimal attention if planted in well-drained soil and protected from harsh winds. Mulching and regular watering in the first two years help establish robust, fragrant growth.

Explore More Fragrant NZ Native Plants With Us

Adding fragrant NZ native plants to your landscape is a sensory and ecological delight. From the subtle perfumes of groundcovers like Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' to the heady, honeyed notes of Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany), you’ll find options for every garden size and style. Discover the perfect native fragrances to uplift your outdoor living and nurture biodiversity by exploring our full range of NZ natives and companion plants.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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