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native coastal plants

Native coastal plants are the unsung heroes of New Zealand’s dramatic shorelines, dunes, and salt-laden landscapes. These remarkable species have evolved to withstand wind, salt spray, sandy soils, and fluctuating moisture levels, making them vital for stabilising dunes, providing habitat for wildlife, and adding a rich sense of place to coastal gardens. Planting native coastal species is not just about creating resilience—it’s about connecting with the beauty and ecology of our coastline.

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 environments. It features dense, tangled, prostrate growth with delicate, needle-like foliage in shades of green to bronze.

From $7.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, 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. This coastal kōwhai is fast growing, hardy, and highly attractive to native birds such as tūī and kererū.

From $323.65

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.
Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson'

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$192.51
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
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.
Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$26.15
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
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
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
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
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
Metrosideros 'Dalese' lush green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Dalese'

Metrosideros ‘Dalese’ is an attractive New Zealand native pohutukawa selection valued for its compact habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and vibrant...

From$30.29
coprosma-repens-green-rocks-
Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

From$17.95
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
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
Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper' red and green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper'

Metrosideros ‘Kawa Copper’ is a distinctive New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar prized for its rich copper toned new growth, glossy evergreen...

From$30.29
Metrosideros 'Moonlight' green and yellow variegated foliage.
Metrosideros 'Moonlight'

Metrosideros ‘Moonlight’ is an elegant New Zealand native pohutukawa selection admired for its creamy white flowers and glossy evergreen foliage...

From$30.29
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.01
leptospermum-wiri-linda--6
Leptospermum 'Wiri Linda'

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

From$27.53
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$7.50
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' hedge.
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' (Blue Tōtara)

Podocarpus ‘Matapouri Blue’, also known as Blue Totara, is a stunning New Zealand native tree prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tidy...

From$30.29
leptospermum-wiri-shelley-
Leptospermum 'Wiri Shelley'

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

From$27.53
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$28.91
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
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
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
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
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
Sequoia sempervirens trees in a forest.
Sequoia sempervirens (Coastal Redwood)

Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as California Redwood, is one of the world’s tallest and most majestic trees. Native to the west coast of the...

From$136.04
Coprosma acerosa

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search native coastal plants

Why Choose Native Coastal Plants?

Using native coastal plants in your garden or landscape means choosing greenery perfectly adapted to harsh seaside conditions. These plants thrive where others struggle, offering low-maintenance solutions for difficult spots and critical erosion control. They also nurture local biodiversity, supporting birds, insects, and lizards unique to New Zealand.

Top Native Coastal Plants for Your Garden

There’s a huge variety of native coastal plants suitable for gardens both large and small. Groundcover options like Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) create neat, emerald carpets that stabilise sandy soils and suppress weeds. Similarly, Coprosma prostrata is perfect for tough conditions and offers dense, trailing foliage.

For a floral touch, Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' features soft blue-green leaves and small, delicate white flowers that attract pollinators. If you’re after structure and year-round interest, consider trees like Sophora chathamica. A coastal kōwhai, this tree boasts golden blooms in early spring, an essential nectar source for birds.

For those seeking iconic presence, Metrosideros robusta, the northern rātā, offers stunning red flowers and can become a dramatic feature in any coastal planting. These trees thrive in exposed seaside gardens, where their resilience and beauty shine.

Practical Tips for Planting on the Coast

Site preparation is key when choosing native coastal plants. Loosen compacted sand and mix in organic matter to give roots the best possible start. Plant during cooler months, mulch well, and water regularly until established. Shelter young plants from extreme wind and salt spray with temporary screens if necessary.

Group plants together in drifts to mimic natural coastal ecosystems—this provides mutual shelter and a gorgeous, cohesive look. Tough ground covers like Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) are perfect for front-line planting, while taller shrubs and trees such as Sophora chathamica and Metrosideros robusta can be positioned as windbreaks.

Add Local Beauty and Resilience

Native coastal plants bring life, texture, and colour to exposed sites while supporting local ecosystems. Whether you’re revamping a sand dune, restoring a shoreline, or creating a low-maintenance coastal garden, New Zealand’s native flora has you covered. Explore our range, from ground-hugging Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' to stately trees like Metrosideros robusta, and start your coastal planting journey.

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.
Stromanthe Triostar and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Pyrus 'Aristocrat', Carpodetus serratus, and Coprosma 'Mini Mac' deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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