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fastest growing native trees nz

If you're searching for the fastest growing native trees NZ gardeners love, you're in the right place. New Zealand's diverse climate and soils are perfect for establishing native trees that not only bring beauty and biodiversity but also rapidly transform your garden or property. Whether you're creating a shelterbelt, looking to restore native bush, or simply want instant landscape impact, there are plenty of native species known for their exceptional growth rates. On this page, we'll explore some of the quickest growers, their unique features, and how they can thrive in your outdoor space.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

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Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence the common name. It features masses of small, white flowers in early autumn. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 5 m tall and 2.5 m wide. Hoheria sextylosa is commonly included in a mixed planting, used in revegetation programs, planted as a quick growing shelter tree, included in riparian plantings, or grown as a specimen.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

5 from 1 customers

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and is recognised for its graceful, layered foliage and slender form. In the spring, it produces masses of small, fragrant, cream-coloured flowers that attract birds and insects. Ribbonwood thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types. Ideal for shelter belts, revegetation, and native plantings, it adds beauty and ecological value to any landscape.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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$358.98
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.28
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$63.38
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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$329.63

Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$24.23
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
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$299.92
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$457.29
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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$299.92
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
magnolia-deryk-2

Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
cassia-corymbosa-john-ball-1

Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

From$24.23
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
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
35-litre-planter-bags-4

35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$7.00
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Cassia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Fuchsia, Hoheria, Knightia, Laurelia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Plagianthus, Prumnopitys, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Ulmus and Vitex, or related Categories - Native Plant Fertiliser, Planter Bags, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search fastest growing native trees nz

Why Choose Fast Growing Native Trees?

Fast-growing native trees are a go-to choice for New Zealanders eager to enjoy quick results. They provide crucial shade, habitat for wildlife, and help with privacy screening in record time. More importantly, they are adapted to local conditions, making them lower maintenance and more resilient to pests and diseases compared to many exotics. Selecting the fastest growing native trees NZ offers is a sustainable way to future-proof your landscape.

Top Fastest Growing Native Trees NZ

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

One of the fastest growing options, Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood) is prized for its upright form and generous canopy. This deciduous tree can put on impressive annual growth, often reaching substantial height within just a few years. It's a fantastic choice for shelterbelts, revegetation projects, and gardens seeking quick vertical structure.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

For those wanting both speed and beauty, Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) is a stand-out native. This evergreen tree grows rapidly and features a profusion of delicate white flowers in summer, attracting bees and birds. Its tolerance to wind and tough conditions makes it ideal for urban gardens and coastal sites.

Sophora chathamica

The lush, fast-growing Sophora chathamica, or coastal kōwhai, is renowned for its bright yellow flowers and quick establishment. This tree not only adds a pop of colour but also supports the native tui and bellbird populations. Its resilience to wind and salt makes it perfect for a wide range of New Zealand locations.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

For shelter and speedy coverage, Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) is unbeatable. This tough evergreen is a classic for coastal and urban planting, renowned for its dense foliage and ability to withstand salt-laden winds. It provides valuable bird habitat and is excellent for erosion control.

Knightia excelsa

If you desire a unique fast-grower, Knightia excelsa, or rewarewa, is an excellent option. With its slender, upright habit and striking red flowers, this tree quickly grows into an elegant specimen suitable for shelter or as a feature in native gardens.

How to Get the Best Results

To maximise the growth of these fastest growing native trees NZ offers, choose a site with good soil preparation, regular watering (especially during establishment), and minimal competition from weeds. Mulching will help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Using a mix of fast and slower growing natives is often the best approach for a sustainable, layered landscape.

Explore Our Range of Fast Growing Native Trees

Ready to plant the fastest growing native trees NZ has to offer? Browse our collection, including Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood), Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark), Sophora chathamica, Myoporum laetum (Ngaio), and Knightia excelsa. These trees are proven performers that will quickly transform any landscape into a thriving, native habitat. Let us help you choose the best plants for your specific needs, so you can enjoy the benefits of New Zealand's fast-growing native trees in no time.


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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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