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deep rooted native plants

Deep rooted native plants play a vital role in New Zealand gardens, providing stabilisation, resilience to drought, and a valuable contribution to our natural environment. These strong, resourceful species establish roots deep within the soil, helping prevent erosion and increasing a garden’s ability to withstand periods of dry weather. Whether you are seeking solutions for slopes, restoring coastal landscapes, or creating a robust shelterbelt, selecting the right deep rooted native plants will ensure both beauty and function for years to come.

Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

5 from 3 customers

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters such as sheltered lakes and swamps and will grow in water up to one metre deep. Plants will typically grow to 2.5 m tall and 1 m wide, but will quickly colonise larger areas as the roots spread.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

5 from 1 customers

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 glossy green leaves. This evergreen tree flowers throughout much of the year, attracting native birds such as tui and kererū.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Native
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
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
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$16.49
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
deep-cell-plant-tray-
Deep Square 28-Cell Tray

Deep Square 28 Cell Trays are a practical and efficient solution for raising strong, healthy seedlings. Each tray contains 28 deep cells, with each...

From$7.74
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
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$16.49
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...

From$27.53
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
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$11.95
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
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
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
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
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
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags

PB12 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other established nursery stock...

From$57.76
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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
pb-3-planter-bags-1
PB3 Planter Bags (Strawberry Bags)

PB3 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger shrubs, young trees, natives, and other nursery plants. Their flexible...

From$29.08
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
pb-40-planter-bags-
PB40 Planter Bags (Tomato Grow Bag)

PB40 Planter Bags are a durable and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$121.64
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Mushroom Grow Bags)

PB8 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other established nursery stock...

From$51.69
root-trainer-4-cells-
4-Cell Root Trainer

The 4-Cell Root Trainer is a practical propagation container designed to encourage strong, well structured root development in young plants. Its deep...

From$19.04
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
pb-65-planter-bags-
PB6.5 Planter Bags (Mushroom Bags)

PB6.5 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other nursery stock. Their...

From$44.86
35-litre-planter-bags-4
35L Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Potatoes)

35L Planter Bags are a practical and durable option for growing trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and larger nursery stock. Their flexible...

From$8.93
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
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
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$16.95
Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.
Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$181.05
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Seedling trays, Flaxes, and Grasses.

Search deep rooted native plants

Why Choose Deep Rooted Native Plants?

Deep rooted native plants are naturally adapted to the local conditions of New Zealand, making them low maintenance, long-lived, and superbly resilient. Their root systems reach well below the surface, tapping into moisture and nutrients that shallow-rooted species cannot access. This means your garden will remain vibrant, even through dry spells, while the soil structure is improved and erosion is minimised. In riparian areas, or alongside rivers and streams, these deep-rooted varieties help anchor banks and filter runoff, supporting cleaner waterways.

Top Picks: Deep Rooted Native Plants for NZ Gardens

If you’re searching for trustworthy deep rooted native plants, New Zealand’s unique flora offers several outstanding options. Consider the majestic Vitex lucens, valued for its robust root system and lush, glossy foliage. This tree thrives in both coastal and inland settings, where its roots help stabilise soil and shelter smaller species underneath.

Wetland and riparian projects regularly benefit from Typha orientalis (Raupō), an iconic rush with strong, fibrous roots. It is ideal for planting along ponds and waterways, where it provides vital filtration and bank stabilisation.

For those craving a smaller-scale, resilient choice, Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry) is a star performer. Its tough roots anchor it securely in exposed sites, while its berries add seasonal interest and support native birds.

If you want to add striking foliage and structure to your garden, Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea is a versatile shrub with deep, fibrous roots. It features luxuriant purple-tinged leaves and tolerates wind and dryness, making it perfect for gardens on challenging sites.

Looking for groundcover? Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' offers ground-hugging resilience and a surprisingly robust root system, protecting exposed spots and holding soil in check.

Planting and Caring for Deep Rooted Natives

To get the best from deep rooted native plants, choose sites with well-prepared soil and plant during autumn or early spring. Regular watering in the first season helps roots establish, and mulching will retain valuable moisture while suppressing weeds. Once matured, these natives require little ongoing care, allowing you to enjoy a thriving, sustainable garden that looks after itself and the wider ecosystem.

Enhance Your Garden’s Health and Beauty

Whether you’re reforesting, stabilising banks, or adding drama to your landscape, deep rooted native plants are the backbone of resilient, sustainable gardening in New Zealand. Explore our selection of deep rooted natives like Vitex lucens, Typha orientalis (Raupō), and Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry), and discover how these remarkable plants can transform your garden.


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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