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Looking to buy kawakawa plant for your New Zealand garden? Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is a treasured native shrub, renowned for its heart-shaped leaves and impressive medicinal history. Whether you want to create a lush native space, attract wildlife, or harness kawakawa's traditional healing properties, this hardy plant thrives in gardens across the country—from shaded bush edges to urban courtyards. It's a top pick for gardeners seeking natural beauty and cultural significance, and it integrates beautifully with a variety of companion shrubs.

Macropiper excelsum

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Macropiper excelsum, commonly known as Kawakawa, is renowned for its heart-shaped, dark green leaves which are aromatic when crushed. This evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide in partial shade on a well-drained. Macropiper excelsum is commonly planted in shaded areas, included in a mixed planting, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or used in revegetation and riparian plantings.

Large Macropiper excelsum plant
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    3.00 m
  • Spread:
    3.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Winter
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Shade
  • Garden uses:
    Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Macropiper excelsum

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Why Choose Kawakawa?

Kawakawa is exceptionally adaptable, making it popular with both beginner and seasoned gardeners. Its glossy leaves and compact form are striking year-round, providing interest even in winter. As an evergreen, kawakawa ensures your landscape remains vibrant and lively, while also sheltering and feeding native birds and insects. The plant bears distinctive pale green flower spikes and small edible fruit, creating seasonal diversity and delight.

Growing Tips for Kawakawa

Kawakawa prefers moist, shaded conditions but can handle partial sun, especially in coastal regions. It's well suited for both formal and wild garden designs. Plant kawakawa in rich, well-draining soil, and water regularly when establishing. Once settled, kawakawa is reliable and low-maintenance. Prune occasionally to shape or rejuvenate—its resilience makes it a fantastic choice for eco-friendly planting schemes and restorative landscaping.

For visual contrast, consider pairing kawakawa with colourful, flowering shrubs such as Azalea 'Caroline de Rothschild' or Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake. These companions provide vibrant blossoms alongside kawakawa's bold foliage. Kawakawa also harmonizes beautifully next to evergreens like Camellia Narumigata, creating layered interest and texture in your garden.

Uses and Benefits

Traditionally valued in Māori medicine, kawakawa leaves are used for teas, balms, and skin remedies. Even today, many gardeners grow kawakawa for its wellness benefits. Planted as a natural hedge or specimen shrub, kawakawa enhances privacy and reduces wind. Its roots help stabilise soil, making it ideal for banks and slopes.

Kawakawa's broad leaves are perfect for attracting birds, especially kererū, who feed on the fruit. If you’re aiming for a wildlife-friendly garden, kawakawa is an essential choice. Combine it with a statement shrub like Loropetalum 'Burgundy' for year-round foliage colour, or add Azalea 'Red Frills' for brilliant spring display.

Order Your Kawakawa Today

Ready to buy kawakawa plant and bring a touch of native charm to your garden? Kawakawa is a must-have in New Zealand gardens, offering cultural depth and ecological benefits. Browse our selection, and discover how kawakawa can transform your outdoor space alongside favourites like Azalea 'Caroline de Rothschild' and Camellia Narumigata. Order today for healthy, nursery-grown kawakawa delivered to your door.


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 Plant Company

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