Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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coastal native plants nz

Living near New Zealand’s rugged coastline is a privilege, but it comes with unique gardening challenges. Coastal native plants in NZ are perfectly adapted to thrive in salty winds, sandy soils, and shifting weather conditions that can make gardening by the sea difficult. Whether you’re wanting to stabilise a dune, create a wind barrier, entice native wildlife, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance garden bursting with local character, choosing the right coastal native plants NZ will give your garden resilience, style, and biodiversity.

Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance and bold foliage. It grows 2–5 metres tall, with glossy, leathery leaves arranged in distinct, finger-like clusters.

Buy Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

From $26.15

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

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. This coastal kōwhai is fast growing, hardy, and highly attractive to native birds such as tūī and kererū.

Buy Sophora chathamica

From $323.65

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

Why Choose NZ Coastal Native Plants?

New Zealand’s coastal habitats are some of the most unique in the world. Native plants from these areas don’t just withstand salt spray and strong winds—they embrace them, forming sturdy, beautiful displays that require minimal care. By landscaping with coastal native plants NZ, you support important habitat for birds, lizards, and insects, while also helping to preserve our ecological heritage.

Top Coastal Native Plants NZ for Your Garden

Sophora chathamica

The Sophora chathamica, or coastal kōwhai, is a standout specimen for any coastal garden. With its lush, dark green foliage and clusters of brilliant yellow flowers, this resilient small tree provides both shelter and nectar for native birds. Its deep roots also help stabilise loose soils, making it perfect for exposed coastal sites.

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

The striking Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger) is a hardy shrub or small tree, well-loved for its glossy, leathery leaves and distinctive hand-like shape. It’s an excellent windbreak that copes well with salty air and offers important food for native insects. Plant it as a structural element or as part of a mixed native screen.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

For groundcover, look to Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'. This charming, low-growing shrub is perfect for trailing along banks or filling gaps between larger plants on dunes. Its silver-blue leaves and dainty white flowers bring a soft, coastal beauty to your landscape while holding back erosion.

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' & Coprosma prostrata

For rich colour and texture, Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a fantastic choice. This compact shrub features deep red foliage that intensifies in the cooler months—ideal for creating visual interest in tough, exposed spots. Meanwhile, Coprosma prostrata adds another excellent groundcover option, with dense mat-forming growth that locks in soil and withstands salt-laden winds.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Coastal Natives

To get the best results when establishing coastal native plants NZ, choose a mix of canopy, shrub, and groundcover species to mimic natural bush structure and shelter younger plants. Mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and water young plants regularly during their first year. Most importantly, select plants already hardened to coastal conditions for the strongest start.

With these versatile coastal native plants NZ, you’ll create an attractive, sustainable garden that honours Aotearoa’s wild coastlines and thrives for years to come. Explore further through our curated range and watch your coastal garden come to life.

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.

coastal native plants nz

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Sophora chathamica

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Why Choose NZ Coastal Native Plants?