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evergreen container plants for shade

Finding the right evergreen container plants for shade can transform even the darkest corners of your garden or patio into lush, inviting spaces. With their year-round foliage and easy-care nature, evergreen container plants are perfect for creating low-maintenance beauty in areas where most flowers and full-sun lovers struggle. Whether you're looking to brighten up a small balcony, a sheltered deck, or shady spots beneath trees, there are plenty of shade-tolerant options to keep your garden looking fresh all seasons.

rhaphidophora-decursiva-

Rhaphidophora decursiva

5 from 2 customers

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the plant matures. This fast growing plant adds a lush, jungle like feel to indoor spaces and sheltered NZ gardens. Ideal for climbing supports or large containers, it offers bold foliage and strong visual impact.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Arches, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical, White
Tradescantia blossfeldiana plant with pink, white, and green variegated foliage.

Tradescantia blossfeldiana

Tradescantia blossfeldiana is an attractive trailing foliage plant valued for its soft green leaves with rich purple undersides and vigorous growth habit. This adaptable plant performs very well in New Zealand as an indoor plant, container feature, or groundcover in warm sheltered gardens. It is ideal for gardeners wanting reliable colour contrast with minimal maintenance. Tradescantia blossfeldiana adds texture, movement, and year round interest to hanging baskets, patios, borders, and interior spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
azalea-indica--1
Azalea indica

Azalea indica is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vibrant blooms and compact growth habit. Flowering generously through spring...

From$18.95
pachysandra-terminalis-5
Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red' (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

From$20.01
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.
Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$31.67
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
phlebodium-blue-star-
Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
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$20.01
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...

From$44.09
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$22.01
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$19.95
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$12.95
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
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$33.05
sansevieria-hahnii-
Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$32.95
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$44.09
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$26.15
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
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$16.49
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
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
plant-pots-
2.5 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$37.44
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 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$27.36
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 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$48.96
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 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$23.04
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
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 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$79.20
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Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ajuga, Azalea, and Cissus, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search evergreen container plants for shade

Why Choose Evergreen Container Plants for Shade?

Evergreen container plants for shade are a smart choice for New Zealand gardeners who want nearly constant colour and foliage with minimal effort. Unlike annuals, evergreens hold their leaves in winter, providing structure and life when many other plants have died back. Shade-tolerant varieties mean you can enjoy lush greens and interesting textures even in areas with dappled or deep shade. They’re also incredibly versatile—move your containers around as needed to tweak your display or protect tender plants from harsh conditions.

Top Evergreen Container Plants for Shady Spots

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

If you're after an architectural grass that stays green all year, Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a wonderful option. This compact, tough-as-nails grass loves filtered light and copes well under trees or on shaded patios. Its fine, narrow leaves add movement and resilient beauty with very little fuss.

Spider Plants for Shady Containers

Spider plants thrive indoors or out, especially when nestled in containers away from direct sunlight. For a classic look, try the Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant), with cascading green and white striped leaves. Or, for something more dramatic, choose the curly-leafed Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant). Both are ideal for hanging baskets or elevated pots in the shade.

For a pop of gold, consider Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant), which features glowing yellow-green tones. All spider plants are well-loved for filtering air and adding living elegance to low-light spaces.

Ornamental Grasses for Containers

Grasses aren’t just for sunny borders. Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant) is a superb evergreen container plant for shade, with striking lime-edged foliage. It’s a natural fit for modern pots, troughs, and any nook that needs texture and colour through every season.

Tips for Success with Shade-Evergreens in Containers

Transform any shaded area into a year-round oasis with these easy-care evergreen container plants for shade. They’ll reward you with colour, structure, and versatility, keeping your outdoor spaces inviting no matter the season.


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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