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fragrant nz native plants

If you’re dreaming of a garden filled with delightful scents and a sense of local identity, exploring fragrant NZ native plants is a rewarding journey. Not only do these plants provide captivating aromas, but they also support native wildlife, adapt beautifully to New Zealand’s climate, and bring a unique sense of place to your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a native garden, establishing a wildlife corridor, or simply searching for a few sensory highlights around your outdoor seating area, there’s a fragrant NZ native plant to suit almost every situation.

Dysoxylum spectabile tree.

Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in winter. This evergreen tree is unique as it flowers and fruits directly from its trunk and branches, producing orange capsules that open to reveal red seeds.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, White
Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.

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 ecological significance. This evergreen tree produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring and summer, followed by seed capsules that support birdlife.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Shade, Wet
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Native, Riparian
Hebe odora green foliage and elegant, white flowers.
Hebe odora

Hebe odora is a NZ native shrub grown for both its foliage and flowers. The foliage comprises glossy leaves which are green with yellow edges and...

From$20.63
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

From$17.95
hebe-buxifolia-
Hebe buxifolia (Boxleaf Hebe)

Hebe buxifolia is a NZ native shrub with glossy leaves that are green with yellow edges. These are adorned by masses of fragrant and showy, white...

From$22.01
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$22.01
Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass...

From$13.95
Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

From$23.39
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

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...

From$23.39
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.
Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$18.95
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its intensely perfumed, star-shaped white flowers and glossy green foliage...

From$18.95
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
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$323.65
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.
Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$169.24
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$270.40
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus Kaka King

Clianthus 'Kaka King' is a striking NZ native shrub valued for its bold clusters of rich red flowers, graceful foliage, and strong garden presence...

From$116.12
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$16.95
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
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$270.40
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$309.51
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
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
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
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
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Corokia, Corynocarpus, and Dysoxylum, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search fragrant nz native plants

Why Choose Fragrant NZ Native Plants?

Fragrant NZ native plants are a smart choice for eco-conscious gardeners and those seeking low-maintenance beauty. They offer subtle and sometimes surprising floral and foliage aromas that can evoke memories of bush walks or summer breezes. Unlike many introduced scented plants, New Zealand natives are naturally adapted to the Aotearoa environment, making them hardy and resilient across a range of situations.

Top Picks for Fragrant NZ Native Plants

Some of the most sought-after fragrant NZ native plants include both well-known species and lesser-celebrated treasures.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is a spreading groundcover that delights with its clusters of tiny, sweetly scented white flowers from spring to early summer. Its compact form is perfect for borders, rockeries, and coastal gardens, bringing both fragrance and a soft visual appeal.

Hedycarya arborea
Hedycarya arborea, known as pigeonwood, offers scented greenish-cream flowers and lush evergreen foliage. It’s a fantastic medium-sized tree for shelter, shade, and supporting native birdlife with its fruit.

Olearia paniculata (Akiraho)
Olearia paniculata (Akiraho) is a hardy, coastal shrub or hedge plant, producing heavily perfumed, creamy white flower clusters in spring. Its wavy, yellowish-green leaves add textural interest, and the rich perfume attracts both people and pollinators.

Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany) is best known for its striking, honey-scented flowers in late spring. This elegant tree makes a bold statement in larger gardens and offers year-round appeal with glossy leaves and a stately form.

While not strictly native, companion planting with aromatic species like Mint Plant can enhance your garden’s sensory impact by layering scent and attracting beneficial insects.

Gardening Tips for Fragrant NZ Native Plants

To make the most of fragrant NZ native plants, consider planting them near entrances, walkways, or seating areas where their scent will be most appreciated. Many natives thrive with minimal attention if planted in well-drained soil and protected from harsh winds. Mulching and regular watering in the first two years help establish robust, fragrant growth.

Explore More Fragrant NZ Native Plants With Us

Adding fragrant NZ native plants to your landscape is a sensory and ecological delight. From the subtle perfumes of groundcovers like Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' to the heady, honeyed notes of Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany), you’ll find options for every garden size and style. Discover the perfect native fragrances to uplift your outdoor living and nurture biodiversity by exploring our full range of NZ natives and companion plants.


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.

Gardeners love Lomandra Lime Tuff and Cereus tetragonus, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Michelia gracipes, Pear Taylors Gold, and Fagus 'Dawyck Gold'.
–The Plant Company

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