The Native Plant Nursery Taupo
Agathis australis (Kauri) – Iconic New Zealand Native for Majestic Landscapes
Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching heights of up to 50 meters with a trunk girth exceeding 16 metres, Kauri trees can live for over 2,000 years, making them one of the world's largest and longest-living tree species. Young Kauri trees exhibit a narrow, upright growth habit, with lime-green leaves that mature to a bronze hue. As they age, the crown broadens, creating a stately presence in the landscape. Kauri trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained, fertile soils. While they can tolerate heavy soils and moderate frost once established, young trees require protection from frost and wind during their initial growth phase. Due to their impressive stature and cultural significance, Kauri trees are ideal as specimen trees in large gardens, parks, and native revegetation projects.
Anemanthele lessoniana – Vibrant New Zealand Native Grass for Dynamic Landscapes
Anemanthele lessoniana, also known as Pheasant's Tail Grass or New Zealand Wind Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass native to New Zealand. It features slender, arching foliage that emerges green and transforms into a striking blend of copper, orange, and gold hues, particularly in autumn and winter. This semi-evergreen grass produces airy, reddish-brown flower panicles in late summer, adding movement and texture to garden spaces. Reaching up to 1 metre in height and spreading approximately 1.5 metres, Anemanthele lessoniana thrives in well-drained soils and adapts to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Its low maintenance requirements and year-round interest make it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, containers, and naturalistic landscapes.
