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hardy perennial plants

Searching for hardy perennial plants that thrive in New Zealand gardens? These robust, long-lived beauties offer colour, texture, and resilience year after year—meaning less maintenance and more enjoyment in your outdoor space. Whether you’re planting for borders, groundcover, or statement specimens, hardy perennial plants are an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With the right selection, you can build a garden that’s attractive in every season, withstands varying weather, and delights with continual blooms.

Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in shades of white, pink, plum, and green, often with striking speckled centres, bringing colour when few other plants flower. Growing 40–60 cm tall, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
hemerocallis-wine-delight-

Hemerocallis 'Wine Delight'

Hemerocallis 'Wine Delight' is a stunning daylily that produces masses of rich wine coloured blooms through summer, bringing vibrant colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens. This hardy perennial is prized for its dependable flowering, attractive strap like foliage, and easy care nature.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Hemerocallis 'Scarlet Orbit' red flowers with a yellow centre.
Hemerocallis 'Scarlet Orbit'

Hemerocallis 'Scarlet Orbit' is a striking daylily variety that produces masses of rich scarlet red flowers with golden yellow throats. Perfect for...

From$20.63
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.
Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and...

From$15.87
Cerastium tomentosum ground cover with grey foliage and elegant white flowers.
Cerastium tomentosum

Cerastium tomentosum is an herbaceous perennial featuring tiny, white, star shaped flowers through spring and summer. These are complemented with...

From$18.63
Artemisia absinthium perennial plant with grey foliage.
Artemisia absinthium  (Wormwood)

Artemisia absinthium is a hardy perennial herb valued for its finely textured silver foliage and strong aromatic presence. Popular in New Zealand...

From$22.01
Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features...

From$17.87
campanula-resholdt's-variety--1
Campanula 'Resholdt's Variety'

Campanula 'Resholdt's Variety' (Bell Flower) is a charming perennial known for its masses of soft blue bell shaped flowers that create a beautiful...

From$22.01
agapanthus-sarah-
Agapanthus 'Sarah'

Agapanthus Sarah is a compact and attractive perennial known for its rich coloured flower heads and tidy clumping habit. It performs exceptionally...

From$17.95
Agapanthus 'Bertsbrook' elegant blue flower.
Agapanthus 'Bertsbrook'

Agapanthus 'Bertsbrook' is a robust evergreen perennial valued for its strong upright habit and large heads of rich blue flowers in summer. This...

From$17.95
Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' stunning light blue flowers,
Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac'

Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its soft lilac purple flowers and tidy clumping habit. This reliable...

From$17.95
A beautiful Sedum 'Autumn Joy' plant in a garden with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Sedum 'Autumn Joy', commonly known as Stonecrop, is grown for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage. This herbaceous perennial produces flowers...

From$23.39
Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella' plants with a yellow flower for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella'

Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella' is a variety of the commonly known Day Lily, and features large and showy, yellow flowers that are only at peak condition...

From$20.63
agapanthus-lapis-5
Agapanthus 'Lapis'

Agapanthus 'Lapis' is a compact and elegant perennial prized for its abundant clusters of rich blue flowers that appear above tidy clumps of lush...

From$13.95
Saxifraga 'Starblush' plant in flower for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Saxifraga 'Starblush'

Saxifraga 'Starblush' is a delightful alpine perennial that produces masses of soft pink flowers above compact mounds of evergreen foliage. Its...

From$23.39
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through...

From$17.87
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
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
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
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
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
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 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$17.95
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor 'plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its narrow green leaves edged with cream and flushed pink. This...

From$11.50
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' plants with lush green foliage.
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to...

From$22.01
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
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
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
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agapanthus, Artemisia, and Campanula, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

Search hardy perennial plants

What Makes Perennial Plants Hardy?

Hardy perennial plants are those that can survive New Zealand's diverse climate, from frosty winters to humid summers. Their ability to return each spring, often stronger than before, makes them prized additions to the landscape. Gardeners love hardy perennials for their tolerance to neglect and tough conditions, meaning you don't need to fuss over them for exceptional results.

Top Hardy Perennial Plants for New Zealand Gardens

There’s no shortage of stunning, easy-care options to suit garden beds, containers, or borders. For rich blue flowers and lush foliage, look at Geranium himalayense Irish Blue (Hardy Geranium Plants). This reliable perennial produces vibrant blooms throughout summer and is famed for its resilience, making it a favourite for cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly spaces.

If you need hardy groundcover, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Hardy Plumbago) offers striking blue flowers from late summer, followed by vivid autumn foliage. It thrives in sunny spots and suppresses weeds effectively.

For coastal gardens or rockeries, Armeria maritima 'Rubra' provides vibrant pink clusters. This hardy perennial tolerates harsh winds and poor soils, making it perfect for tough landscape positions.

Those seeking bold foliage and winter interest will appreciate Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant). This perennial features large, glossy leaves and pink spring flowers, enduring cold and dry spells with ease.

Of course, no Kiwi perennial list is complete without Agapanthus Charlotte (Charlotte Agapanthus). Known for its striking blue blooms and robust habit, this versatile variety is perfect for borders and mass planting.

Benefits of Hardy Perennial Plants

Hardy perennial plants are not only beautiful, they’re practical. Once established, they require minimal watering and offer reliable performance year after year. Their adaptability means they can be used for erosion control, as groundcovers, or simply to create low-maintenance gardens that shine in every season. With perennial plants, you invest in a living landscape that matures and improves over time.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Hardy Perennials

For best results: - Choose locations with suitable sunlight and drainage. - Prepare the soil with compost before planting. - Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. - Prune faded flowers to encourage repeat blooming. - Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth.

With these simple steps, your hardy perennial plants will provide enduring beauty and structure to your garden, whatever the weather. Start your collection with tough, rewarding choices like Geranium himalayense Irish Blue (Hardy Geranium Plants) or Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Hardy Plumbago) and watch your garden flourish.


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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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