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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.

Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.

Carex dissita (Purei)

5 from 1 customers

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to 50 cm tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in shaded areas that do not dry out.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Hardy, Shade, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.

Carex solandri

5 from 1 customers

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and graceful arch as it expands. Dark brown seed heads in summer add an interesting element to this plant, which grows to 70 cm tall and the same width.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
Saxifraga 'Starblush' plant in flower for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Saxifraga 'Starblush'

Saxifraga 'Starblush' is a delightful alpine perennial that produces masses of soft pink flowers above compact mounds of evergreen foliage. Its...

From$23.39
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue) grass growing in a garden.
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue)

Festuca coxii, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a hardy NZ native, ornamental grass that features fine, blue foliage. Straw-coloured seed heads...

From$14.49
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$17.95
leptinella-dioica-
Leptinella dioica

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense...

From$13.95
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.01
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Sempervivum calcareum plants growing as a cluster.
Sempervivum calcareum

Sempervivum calcareum is a striking hardy succulent admired for its symmetrical blue green rosettes tipped with deep burgundy. Its architectural form...

From$14.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
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
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
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$44.09
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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$856.80
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
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
50-windbreak-2
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$428.40
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

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

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
Carex dissita (Purei)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Coprosma, and Festuca, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

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 Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' are household names, Malus 'Arrow Gold', Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush), and Acer platanoides are rising stars in the plant world.
–The Plant Company

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