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native new zealand plants list

Exploring a native New Zealand plants list is a fantastic way to discover the unique greenery that brings character and resilience to Kiwi gardens. Whether you’re restoring a landscape, encouraging local wildlife, or simply seeking hardy, beautiful plants for your garden, native species offer unmatched beauty and adaptability. This guide covers some iconic choices for anyone wanting to enrich their backyard or property with authentic New Zealand flora. Read on to find your next favourite plant and see how these natives can transform your landscape.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

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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, blue foliage which becomes adorned with fragrant, white flowers in spring and results in white berries. This evergreen typically grows to 10 cm tall and 50 cm wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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.

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
Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.
Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea'

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub admired for its rich purple toned foliage and bold architectural form. This...

From$387.55
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
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Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger'

Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger' is a striking New Zealand native shrub valued for its distinctive golden green foliage and strong architectural form. The...

From$270.40
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus 'Kaka King'

Clianthus 'Kaka King' is a striking NZ native shrub valued for its bold clusters of rich red flowers, graceful foliage, and strong garden presence...

From$116.12
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 inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

From$10.95
Coprosma 'Hawera' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
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$17.95
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
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
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$16.49
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
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$270.40
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
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
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$34.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$99.95
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing 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$14.95
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
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
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
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Arthropodium, and Clianthus, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search native new zealand plants list

Why Choose Native New Zealand Plants?

Native New Zealand plants are perfectly adapted to the country’s climate and soils, making them low-maintenance and unlikely to require chemical sprays or fertilisers. They also provide vital habitat for birds, insects, and other native species, helping restore local ecosystems. Many natives have striking foliage or produce stunning flowers, thriving even in challenging conditions such as coastal winds or shaded sites. By selecting from a native New Zealand plants list, you’ll create a garden that’s beautiful, biodiverse, and sustainable.

Popular Native New Zealand Plants

Here’s a selection of native New Zealand plants prized for their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and ecological benefits:

Leptospermum Wairere

Known for its groundcover form, Leptospermum Wairere offers fine, slender leaves and delicate white flowers. Alongside its attractive appearance, it’s highly tolerant of wind and salt, making it perfect for coastal gardens.

Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

The Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily) is a robust perennial with lush, strap-like leaves and elegant white, star-shaped flowers. It’s an ideal choice for shady spots and borders, thriving in both formal and cottage-style gardens.

Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Another variety of rengarenga lily, Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), is treasured for its adaptability and bold foliage. This easy-care plant works well as a groundcover or accent in native gardens and supports pollinators.

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

For coastal areas and sandier soils, Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a standout choice. Its prostrate stems and glossy leaves create lush, evergreen carpets with excellent erosion control.

Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

[Piripiri], also known as Acaena purpurea (Piripiri), is a low-growing groundcover with purplish foliage and unique seed heads. It’s well-suited for rockery, pathway edges, and tough spots where other plants might struggle.

Complementing Your Native Plant Selection

When shopping from a native New Zealand plants list, consider factors like light, drainage, and wind exposure. Native plants often thrive in groups, mimicking their natural habitats and providing shelter for local wildlife. Combining groundcovers, perennials, and shrubs delivers year-round interest, resilience, and ecological value.

Explore Native New Zealand Plants Today

Curating your garden with natives not only boosts sustainability—it celebrates New Zealand’s natural heritage. Browse our range, including Leptospermum Wairere, Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily), Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma), and Acaena purpurea (Piripiri) to find your perfect native match. Bring the best of New Zealand’s flora home and enjoy a garden that flourishes naturally.


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.

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' and Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' are tried and true, but new favourites like Leucadendron 'Harvest', Cupressus 'Totem', and Prunus 'Accolade' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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