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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.

Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

5 from 2 customers

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 colour from blue, white, to deep purple. They are held amidst the strap-like, glossy green leaves. Dianella nigra typically grows to 40 cm tall and 50 cm wide, and is commonly included in a mixed planting or border, used in cottage gardens, or mass planted either on a bank or as a groundcover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

5 from 2 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. Typha orientalis is commonly used in wetland and riparian plantings but is also now being included in modern gardens where it is used in borders and mixed plantings.

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
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 known for its glossy, deep purple foliage and bold, tropical appearance...

From$36.38
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small...

From$24.98
Carpodetus serratus prostrata plant with horizontal stems and marbled leaves.

Carpodetus serratus prostrata

Carpodetus serratus prostrata, commonly known as prostrate Marble Leaf or prostrate Putaputaweta, is a low-growing, NZ native shrub that is often...

From$26.93
root-trainer-4-cells-

Root Trainer - 4-Cells

This light-weight root trainer contains 4 cells with each cell containing 0.25 L of potting mix. Each cell measures 38 mm x 38 mm and is 120 mm deep...

From$16.00
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
deep-cell-plant-tray-

Deep Square 28-Cell Tray

Each of the 28 cells in this tray contain 0.47 L of potting mix. Overall, the tray measures 54 cm long and 31 cm wide. This lightweight tray has been...

From$4.88
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
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
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
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
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-

Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
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...

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 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
perovskia-blue-spire-

Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant)

The Perovskia Blue Spire plant, commonly known as the Russian Sage Plant, is a small shrub grown for its fine foliage and impressive flowers. Masses...

From$24.23
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
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
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
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
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$148.75
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
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
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
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Carex, Carpodetus, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Dianella, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Mint, Monstera, Perovskia, Pimelea, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Pseudopanax, Sedum, Serissa Stromanthe and Typha, or related Categories - Native Plant Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Root Trainers, Rooting Hormone, Seedling trays, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

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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