Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

best nz native plants for gardens

Discovering the best NZ native plants for gardens is one of the simplest ways to create a vibrant, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly landscape that thrives in New Zealand’s unique climate. Native plants are well-adapted to local conditions, attract birds and pollinators, and provide year-round beauty. Whether you’re planning a contemporary courtyard, family backyard, or relaxed cottage garden, there is a diverse selection of natives suitable for all garden styles and sizes.

Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.

Coprosma kirkii

5 from 3 customers

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery. Naturally tough, it thrives in exposed and coastal conditions, making it ideal for low maintenance gardens, banks, and rockeries. Creeping Coprosma is both practical and attractive in NZ landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
pimelea-mimosa--1

Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over objects. The plant becomes adorned with tiny, white flowers during summer. This evergreen typically grows to 30 cm tall and 80 cm wide, and performs best when grown in full sun on a well-drained soil. Pimelea mimosa is commonly used as a groundcover, added to coastal plantings, included in cottage gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or mass planted on a bank.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
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
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 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
bergenia-cordifolia-3

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
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.

Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$358.98
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.

Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$49.88
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
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
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
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...

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
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
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
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
prostanthera-eddington-blue-

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
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
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...

apricot-garden-annie-

Apricot 'Garden Annie'

Apricot Garden Annie is a dwarf Apricot variety that is both ornamental and fruit bearing. The medium sized fruit in summer are golden yellow with a...

From$391.14
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
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
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
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
sansevieria-hahnii-

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
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
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
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$12.50
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
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

These industry standard labels are made from plastic infused paper which makes them both tough and waterproof. They are widely used across the...

From$27.90
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$23.75
Coprosma kirkii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Apricot, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Lagerstroemia, Leonotis, Mint, Monstera, Orange, Perovskia, Pimelea, Prostanthera, Sansevieria, Sedum, Serissa Sorbus and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Native Plant Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Plant Labels, Plant pots, Spades, Orange Trees, Apricot Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

Search best nz native plants for gardens

Why Choose NZ Native Plants for Your Garden?

New Zealand natives are perfectly suited to our soils, weather, and wildlife. By choosing native plants, you’re encouraging local biodiversity, reducing water use, and supporting the health of your garden with hardy species that are naturally resilient to common pests and diseases. Natives often need less fertiliser and care, making them ideal for both new and experienced gardeners.

Top Picks: Best NZ Native Plants for Gardens

When it comes to the best NZ native plants for gardens, there are versatile options for structure, ground cover, texture and seasonal interest. Here are some highly recommended choices to consider:

Carex maorica (NZ Sedge)

Carex maorica (NZ Sedge) is a popular grass that brings movement and softness to garden beds. Its graceful foliage forms tidy mounds, perfect for edging paths, filling borders, or mass planting for a modern look. This sedge is tolerant of damp soils and partial shade, making it adaptable to many garden spots.

Coprosma kirkii

If you’re after a hardy groundcover, Coprosma kirkii is an excellent choice. Its low, spreading habit helps to suppress weeds while its small, glossy leaves create a lush carpet. It’s especially effective on banks and retaining walls, reducing erosion and adding year-round greenery.

Carpodetus serratus

For gardeners who love the structure of small trees, Carpodetus serratus, commonly called Mapou or Native Marble Leaf, is an attractive option. With its distinctive mottled foliage and dainty, scented flowers, this small native tree is perfect for adding interest to mixed plantings or as a standalone feature.

Coprosma prostrata

Another excellent low-growing option is Coprosma prostrata. Its mat-forming growth is ideal for covering large areas, spilling over rock walls, or softening the edges of paths. This coprosma tolerates salt and wind, making it a favourite for coastal gardens.

Pimelea mimosa

For delicate texture and floral appeal, Pimelea mimosa is hard to beat. This pretty groundcover produces clusters of small white flowers that attract pollinators and provide lovely contrast with richer foliage shades.

Tips for Designing with NZ Natives

To make the most of the best NZ native plants for gardens, consider layering different heights and textures, grouping similar species for a natural look, and choosing plants that match your local conditions. Incorporate a mix of trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers for structure and year-round interest. Mulch with organic materials and water deeply during dry spells to help your new natives establish strong roots.

Enhancing your outdoor space with NZ native plants brings effortless beauty and sustainability to your garden for years to come. Find your favourites and enjoy a garden that’s truly at home in New Zealand.


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.

The spotlight often lands on Ficus Black Knight and Lomandra Little Con, but Acacia 'Limelight', Coprosma kirkii 'variegata', and Camellia 'Black Lace' deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews