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alpine plants for shade

If you’re searching for alpine plants for shade in New Zealand, you’re in the right place. Alpine plants are admired for their resilience, stunning foliage, and unique blooms. While many naturally thrive in open, sun-drenched spaces, there are several exceptional alpine species that embrace shady garden spots, bringing texture and colour to those tricky, low-light areas. Whether your shady zone is under a tree, beside a southern fence, or tucked away in a courtyard, selecting the right alpine plants transforms your outdoor space into a lush, tranquil retreat.

Large Coprosma virescens shrub with brown stems and green leaves.

Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki)

5 from 1 customers

Coprosma virescens, also known as Mingimingi or Mikimiki, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its dense, divaricating form, featuring tangled, coppery-orange branches and tiny, green leaves. Growing up to 2 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought, wind, frost, and coastal conditions. This low-maintenance shrub is ideal for hedging, alpine gardens, and ecological restoration projects.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian, Woodland
helicotrichon-sempervirens-3

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

5 from 1 customers

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oatgrass, is a lovely and popular ornamental grass featuring distinct, blue foliage. It grows as a mound up to 35 cm tall and 40 cm wide producing slender and erect leaves. Helictotrichon sempervirens is widely used by landscape designers due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. The Blue Oat Grass is commonly mass planted, included in borders and mixed plantings, used in alpine themed gardens, or planted to brighten a dull area.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 35 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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$26.33
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
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$19.58
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
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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$420.00
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$24.23
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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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$32.33
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Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant)

Brunfelsia Scent-Sational, commonly known as the Yesterday Today Tomorrow plant features masses of sweetly fragrant, pansy like flowers during spring...

From$32.33
serissa-snowflake--2

Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
50-windbreak-roll-2

Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$720.00
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$20.93
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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
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Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$360.00
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
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$29.63
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$20.18
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$6.53
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-

Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$7.50
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$158.00
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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$20.00
Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Brunfelsia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Helictotrichon, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Mint, Monstera, Perovskia, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Sansevieria, Sedum Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Acid Loving Plants, Moss Poles, Plant pots, Spades, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search alpine plants for shade

Why Choose Alpine Plants for Shade?

Alpine plants are naturally adapted to the cooler, filtered light of mountainous regions, so many will tolerate shade beautifully. Shade-loving alpine varieties often have attractive foliage and subtle flowers, and they thrive where other plants struggle. Plus, their tough, compact growth habit makes them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

Top Alpine Plants for Shade in New Zealand

Myosotis colensoi (NZ Alpine Forget-Me-Not)

This native alpine, with its delicate blue flowers, brings a burst of colour to shaded garden beds. Perfect for groundcover or edging paths, Myosotis colensoi (NZ Alpine Forget-Me-Not) thrives in moist, sheltered spots and adds a classic cottage garden charm.

Griselinia 'Alpine Form'

A compact New Zealand shrub, Griselinia 'Alpine Form' offers glossy, deep green foliage and is highly tolerant of shade. It’s perfect as a low hedge or for planting in containers beneath trees, providing structure and year-round greenery.

Podocarpus nivalis (Alpine Totora)

For shady rockeries or borders, Podocarpus nivalis (Alpine Totora) delivers dense, low-growing foliage and subtle seasonal interest. This native groundcover copes well with New Zealand’s cool, shaded environments and develops gorgeous bronze hues in winter.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

If your shaded garden is looking drab, Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant) is a fantastic choice. Its lime-edged leaves illuminate dark corners and pair perfectly with other alpine plants for shade, giving your garden fresh contrast and movement.

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

For a touch of blue-toned foliage in shaded areas, try Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass). This hardy grass maintains its shape and colour throughout the year and is suited to both partial shade and full sun, making it a versatile addition for transitional lighting zones.

Gardening Tips for Shade-Loving Alpine Plants

When growing alpine plants for shade, ensure your soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. While these plants thrive in lower light, they appreciate gentle morning sun or dappled light when possible. Grouping shade-tolerant alpines together creates layered interest and reduces maintenance.

Transform Your Shady Garden with Alpine Plants

Choosing alpine plants for shade breathes new life into underutilised garden corners. With their hardy nature and unique beauty, these varieties are perfect for New Zealand’s climate, allowing gardeners to design vibrant, textured landscapes even where sunlight is sparse. Browse our range to discover more alpine treasures for your shaded spaces.


Contact us

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.

While Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' are household names, Sempervivum tectorum, Malus floribunda, and Skimmia japonica Rogersii are rising stars in the plant world.
–The Plant Company

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