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

canterbury native plants

Looking for Canterbury native plants that will thrive in your garden or landscaping project? The unique flora of Canterbury, New Zealand, offers a range of stunning and hardy species that bring both beauty and ecological benefits to your outdoor spaces. From lush green foliage to vibrant seasonal blooms, Canterbury native plants are perfectly suited to the region’s climate and soil, supporting local wildlife and fostering biodiversity. Find out how these plants can transform your garden and which varieties are best for Canterbury conditions.

Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.

Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a dense, upright structure ideal for formal hedges, privacy screens, or coastal shelter.

From $199.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf colouring is truly impressive and is accentuated with small, yellow-green flowers in spring, which result in small, dark berries. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.25 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus 'Kaka King'

Clianthus 'Kaka King' is a striking NZ native shrub valued for its bold clusters of rich red flowers, graceful foliage, and strong garden presence...

From$116.12
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$270.40
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.
Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson'

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$192.51
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
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
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
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
Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.
Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea'

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub admired for its rich purple toned foliage and bold architectural form. This...

From$387.55
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

From$17.95
Coprosma 'Hawera' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$17.95
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$14.95
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
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$20.63
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
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$20.63
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carpodetus, Clianthus, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search canterbury native plants

Why Choose Canterbury Native Plants?

Selecting Canterbury native plants means choosing species that are adapted to local soil types and weather patterns. These plants are generally more resilient to drought, wind, and winter frosts common in the Canterbury region. By planting natives, you help conserve water, reduce maintenance, and support native birds and pollinators. The natural character and low-maintenance attributes of Canterbury natives make them ideal for home gardens, public spaces, and restoration projects across the South Island.

Popular Canterbury Native Plant Choices

A diverse range of Canterbury native plants are available for gardeners and landscapers. Some favourites include:

Native Flowers for Colour and Texture

If you’re after Canterbury native plants with a burst of seasonal colour, consider the campanula range. Both Campanula Canterbury Bells Pink (Canterbury Bells Pink Campanula) and Campanula Canterbury Bells White offer tall, bell-shaped blooms perfect for borders, wildflower meadows, or cottage-style spaces. Their long flowering period and soft hues make them an excellent companion to native shrubs and grasses.

Planning and Caring for Canterbury Natives

When choosing Canterbury native plants for your landscape, consider their sun and shelter needs, ultimate size, and soil preference. Many thrive in full sun with well-drained soils, though some prefer dappled shade among established trees. Be sure to prepare your site with compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds—key to helping newly planted natives establish robust root systems.

Mulching and light pruning will keep your Canterbury native plants healthy and looking their best. Most natives grow well with minimal fertiliser but appreciate gentle feeding in spring.

Bring Canterbury’s Charm Home

Enhance your garden’s beauty and resilience by featuring Canterbury native plants. With species like Griselinia 'Canterbury', Grevillea Canterbury Gold, and flowering campanulas, you can create a vibrant native haven that celebrates the unique character of the Canterbury region—all while supporting local ecosystems for years to come.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
It’s easy to pick Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina 'Variegata', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca', Canna 'Felix Ragout', and Prunus laurocerasus.
–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.

4.8

466 Google reviews