Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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native ground cover plants

Are you searching for native ground cover plants to transform your garden or landscape with lush, low-maintenance beauty? Native ground cover plants are an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens, offering resilience, unique foliage, and ecological benefits. These indigenous species are designed by nature to thrive in local conditions, making them much more adaptable than many exotic varieties. Whether you want to suppress weeds, prevent erosion, or simply add green interest to shaded or sunlit areas, native ground covers provide sustainable and attractive solutions. Explore our hand-picked selection of native ground cover plants and discover how they can enhance your outdoor spaces.

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 green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery.

Buy Coprosma kirkii

From $17.95

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 kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground.

Buy Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Why Choose Native Ground Cover Plants?

Choosing native ground cover plants means you’re supporting New Zealand’s biodiversity, creating habitats for local wildlife, and ensuring your garden is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. These plants are well adjusted to our soils and climate, reducing water and fertiliser needs. Native ground covers are particularly effective for filling difficult spots, stabilising banks, and providing evergreen foliage. With native options, you’re also less likely to deal with pests and diseases common in exotic species.

Best Native Ground Cover Plants for New Zealand Gardens

When selecting native ground cover plants, consider their growth habit, foliage, flower display, and suitability for your site. Here are some top-performing native varieties available at our nursery:

Pratia angulata

A low, spreading perennial with tiny white stars of flowers and lush green leaves, Pratia angulata is perfect for moist, shaded spots. It provides fast coverage, suppresses weeds, and complements woodland plantings.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Looking for a hardy option for coastal gardens or sandy soils? Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' offers silvery foliage and delicate cluster blooms. It forms a dense mat that holds bankings and handles exposed conditions.

Pimelea mimosa

For low-growing ground cover with fine leaves and subtle flowers, Pimelea mimosa excels. Its naturally prostrate habit makes it ideal for sunny rock gardens or borders, and it pairs well with other natives.

Coprosma kirkii & Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

These ground-hugging forms of Coprosma are prized for evergreen foliage and versatility. Coprosma kirkii is excellent for covering large areas, stabilising soil, and withstanding foot traffic, while Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' brings added visual interest with its attractive variegated leaves.

Planting and Care Tips

Native ground cover plants require little fuss once established. Prepare your garden bed with well-worked soil and mulch to retain moisture and suppress initial weeds. Water deeply while plants root in, then gradually reduce watering as they thrive. Most native ground covers respond well to trimming, which encourages denser growth and a tidy appearance.

Get Started with Native Ground Cover Plants

Looking for the best native ground cover plants for your New Zealand garden? Browse our nursery’s collection to find species suited to your landscape, from sunny banks to shady woodland paths. Whether you're after fast coverage or subtle, enduring foliage, native ground covers are the natural choice for beautiful, easy-care gardens.

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.

native ground cover plants

Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

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Why Choose Native Ground Cover Plants?