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landscaping with native grasses

Landscaping with native grasses is an inspired way to celebrate New Zealand’s natural character while creating beautiful, resilient outdoor spaces. Whether you’re designing a modern home garden, restoring a rural landscape, or seeking hardy options for coastal areas, native grasses offer diverse textures, forms, and hues to bring your landscape vision to life. These versatile plants are low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and vital for supporting local biodiversity, making them a smart choice for both ecological and aesthetic reasons.

Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.

Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same width.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex flagellifera Red plants.

Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red leaves as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same width.

From $11.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$10.97
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
Baumea articulata (Jointed Twig Rush) with upright, green foliage, growing in water.
Baumea articulata

Baumea articulata, commonly known as the Jointed Twig Rush, is an attractive, NZ native grass grown for its aesthetics and ability to handle and...

From$19.25
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$19.25
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Carex comans Bronze plant in a garden with dense bronze foliage.
Carex comans Bronze

Carex comans Bronze features slender, hair-like, bronze-brown foliage. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and the same width. Carex comans Bronze is...

From$9.95
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
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
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.
Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and...

From$19.95
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
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
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

From$11.50
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
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$17.95
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.
Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$12.95
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
A large planting of Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat Grass) as a feature garden.
Stipa gigantea

Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat Grass) is a spectacular ornamental grass prized for its graceful evergreen foliage and tall airy stems topped with...

From$15.11
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex virgata

Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that thrives in wetlands, damp soils, and along waterways. It forms...

From$12.95
Carex flagellifera Green

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Baumea, Carex, and Libertia, or related Categories - Grasses, and Perennials.

Search landscaping with native grasses

Why Choose Native Grasses for Landscaping?

Native grasses are uniquely adapted to New Zealand’s varied climate and soils, making them less demanding than many exotic species. Their deep root systems help prevent erosion, stabilise banks, and thrive despite dry conditions or periods of neglect. Landscaping with native grasses also fosters native wildlife, attracting beneficial insects and providing food and shelter for birds. By integrating natives into your garden, you create a living link to New Zealand’s natural heritage while reducing ongoing garden maintenance.

Dramatic Texture and Colour Through Plant Selection

One of the appeals of landscaping with native grasses is the broad selection of shapes and shades. From subtle greens and russet tones to dramatic movement in the wind, their year-round structure enhances contemporary and naturalistic gardens alike. For lush, arching foliage, consider Carex flagellifera Green, a popular choice for mass planting that brings soft, feathery texture to garden beds or borders. For contrasting colour, Carex flagellifera Red offers striking bronze-red tones perfect for statement planting.

If you’re aiming for an elegant ground cover or want to fill in bare areas under trees, Carex comans Green is an outstanding option. Its fine foliage blends beautifully with native shrubs and flowering perennials. Looking for an upright grass with a crisp, tidy habit? Carex solandri is a reliable, understated grass that suits mixed plantings and sustainable landscaping projects.

For larger-scale impact or evocative meadow-style plantings, Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock) adds drama and movement, with slender golden flower stems that catch the light and sway gracefully in the breeze.

Tips for Successful Landscaping with Native Grasses

To get the best from your native grasses, group several plants together for a natural effect. Mimic their wild habitats by planting in drifts or clusters, using mixes of different species and heights for a layered look. Many native grasses, including Carex and Chionochloa species, thrive in both full sun and partial shade, though they appreciate well-drained soil. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds while they establish.

Maintenance is minimal—most native grasses only need a tidy-up in late winter or early spring. Avoid fertilisers, as they tend to perform best in lean soil conditions.

Find the Perfect Native Grass for Your Garden

Explore our range of New Zealand native grasses for every landscaping style. From Carex flagellifera Green and Carex solandri to bold options like Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock), you’ll find the ideal grasses to enrich your outdoor space with beauty and biodiversity. Start landscaping with native grasses and enjoy a garden that’s not only easy to care for, but truly connected to the New Zealand landscape.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' are beloved staples, but Olive 'Barnea', Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi), and Rhododendron 'Mt Everest' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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