Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

hardy native plants

If you’re searching for hardy native plants to enhance your New Zealand garden, you’re on the right track. Hardy natives are not only resilient in the face of unpredictable Kiwi weather, but they provide structure, foliage, and habitat that truly belong to our local landscape. Selecting tough natives ensures your garden thrives with minimal fuss and maximum impact—whether you want low-maintenance borders, coastal shelter, or robust groundcovers for difficult spots.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

5 from 2 customers

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 to pink flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought, frost, and coastal conditions. Mānuka is ideal for native gardens, erosion control, and attracting pollinators. This low-maintenance plant is also valued for its role in producing Manuka honey and is perfect for naturalistic NZ landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.

Coprosma kirkii

5 from 3 customers

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery. Naturally tough, it thrives in exposed and coastal conditions, making it ideal for low maintenance gardens, banks, and rockeries. Creeping Coprosma is both practical and attractive in NZ landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$11.95
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
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$23.39
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
Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.
Sophora prostrata

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers...

From$26.15
leptospermum-wairere-
Leptospermum 'Wairere'

Leptospermum 'Wairere' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of attractive flowers through spring and summer. This...

From$27.53
leptospermum-pink-cascade--1
Leptospermum 'Pink Cascade'

Leptospermum 'Pink Cascade' is a graceful evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of soft pink flowers through spring and...

From$27.53
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$11.95
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$18.63
Lobelia angulata plant with green foliage and elegant white flowers.
Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)

Lobelia angulata is a charming NZ native groundcover admired for its small, bright green leaves and delicate white star shaped flowers that bloom...

From$20.01
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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$13.40
strelitzia-nicolai-
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
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Leptospermum, and Pimelea, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search hardy native plants

Why Choose Hardy Native Plants?

Hardy native plants are naturally adapted to New Zealand’s unique climate and soil conditions. They handle dry spells, frosts, and salty coastal winds far better than many imported species. This resilience makes them ideal for local gardens, lifestyle blocks, and restoration sites, providing you with attractive, sustainable results without constant watering or pampering.

Native plants also encourage biodiversity, attracting native birds, bees, and other beneficial wildlife. Many offer year-round appeal—from lush greenery to striking flowers—making them practical and beautiful for gardeners of all skill levels.

Top Hardy Native Plants for New Zealand Gardens

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)
A classic Kiwi native, Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) is well-known for its hardiness and versatility. With its fragrant foliage and honey-rich blooms, it withstands dry sites and coastal conditions, making it perfect for hedging or shelter belts.

Leptospermum Blossom
Another reliable choice, Leptospermum Blossom features vibrant flowers and dense foliage. This tough shrub tolerates poor soils and exposed positions, adding colour and resilience to native planting schemes.

Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma)
For groundcover and erosion control, Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) is a standout. Its spreading habit and salt tolerance make it ideal for coastal gardens, steep banks, or pathways.

Coprosma prostrata
If you need a low-growing, mat-forming native, Coprosma prostrata is a robust option. It survives harsh conditions and helps suppress weeds, thriving in areas where other plants struggle.

Coprosma kirkii
With a trailing growth and glossy leaves, Coprosma kirkii is well-suited for difficult spots and rocky gardens. Its resilience makes it a great choice for filling gaps and stabilising slopes.

Planting Hardy Native Plants: Tips for Success

When planting hardy native plants, prepare soil well—clearing competition and boosting drainage helps your plants establish faster. Water them regularly during their first season, then let their natural toughness take over. Mulch around roots will suppress weeds and retain moisture, making maintenance even easier.

Natives often thrive best when planted together, creating microclimates and wind shelter that mimic their natural habitats. Consider pairing tall shrubs like Leptospermum Blossom with hardy groundcovers such as Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) for layered, resilient borders.

Create a Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Garden

Choosing hardy native plants is the smart way to future-proof your garden and support New Zealand’s unique ecological heritage. Explore our range of robust natives—including the popular Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka), tough groundcovers like Coprosma prostrata, and resilient shrubs—to find the perfect, trouble-free additions for your landscape. Transform your outdoor space into a thriving haven using plants that are truly at home in Aotearoa.


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.

You know Avocado 'Reed' and Ficus benjamina, but have you met Camellia Slimline Avalanche, Chaenomeles Double Take Orange (Flowering Quince), and Prunus blireiana? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews