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native plants canterbury

Looking for native plants Canterbury gardeners can count on? Discover a diverse selection of hardy, beautiful native species perfect for Canterbury’s unique conditions. Whether you’re starting a new garden, restoring a patch of natural habitat, or just adding authentic New Zealand character to your home landscape, our collection of native plants suits both urban and rural Canterbury settings. Native plants provide shelter for birds, help with erosion control, and thrive in our local climate—even with the hot, dry summers and chilly winters Canterbury is known for.

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf colouring is truly impressive and is accentuated with small, yellow-green flowers in spring, which result in small, dark berries. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.25 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock
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. It makes a spectacular feature in sunny borders, sheltered courtyards, and native planting schemes, bringing vibrant colour when in bloom.

From $116.12

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian, Rock, Tropical
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
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
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
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

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...

From$19.95
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
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
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
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
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
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
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
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
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
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

From$199.95
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
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
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
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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
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$20.63
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
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ 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
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
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
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search native plants canterbury

Why Choose Native Plants in Canterbury Gardens?

Native plants in Canterbury offer a range of benefits for home gardeners and landscapers alike. They’re well-adapted to the open plains, foothills, and coastal zones of the region, requiring less water and fertiliser once established. These plants attract native birds, bees, and insects, helping to sustain our delicate ecosystems. From the rugged elegance of tussocks to the vibrant foliage of native shrubs, you can create a stunning, easy-care garden that reflects the spirit of Canterbury.

Popular Native Plant Selections for Canterbury

Some Canterbury favourites include flax (harakeke), kānuka, kōwhai, cabbage trees (tī kōuka), and coprosma. These are ideal for shelter belts, mass plantings, or feature specimens. If you’re interested in versatile and eye-catching options, consider exploring the robust Grevillea Canterbury Gold, a hardy shrub suited to Canterbury gardens.

Incorporating Native and Adapted Species

Pairing native plants with adaptable, non-native specimens can give your garden year-round interest. For Canterbury gardeners interested in mixing things up, you might like the classic bell-shaped blooms of Campanula Canterbury Bells White or the pastel beauty of Campanula Canterbury Bells Pink (Canterbury Bells Pink Campanula). For striking blue colour, Campanula Canterbury Bells Blue offers a delightful contrast against native foliage.

Designing a Canterbury Native Garden

Creating a native garden in Canterbury means working with the region’s natural rhythms. Choose sun-loving grasses and shrubs for exposed sites or shelter-loving species for shady corners. Many native plants, like flax and cabbage tree, handle Canterbury winds with ease. Integrate layers for habitat and aesthetics—tall shrubs at the back, groundcovers in front, and flowering perennials throughout. Don’t overlook beautiful shrubs like Camellia 'Canterbury', which add evergreen structure alongside natives.

Caring for Your Native Plants

Native plants Canterbury gardeners select usually need minimal attention once established, but proper planting and early care are essential. Water new plants through their first dry summer, keep weeds at bay, and apply a layer of mulch for moisture retention. Over time, you’ll enjoy a resilient, low-maintenance landscape that’s distinctly Canterbury.

Ready to start your Canterbury native planting project? Browse our selection online and bring the beauty of New Zealand’s local flora to your garden today.

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.
Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree), Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont', and Prunus 'Ichiyo' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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