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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.

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Leptospermum 'Wairere'

Leptospermum 'Wairere' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of attractive flowers through spring and summer. This versatile manuka variety adds year round texture, colour, and native character to NZ gardens while also attracting pollinators such as bees and birds.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Clianthus Kaka King (Kaka King Clianthus)

Clianthus Kaka King, commonly known as The Red Kaka Beak, is a NZ native shrub that produces a flush of stunning, beak like flowers in summer. The showy, red flowers are produced in abundance and literally transforms the plant. The flowers are complemented with mid-green foliage that is soft in appearance as it grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian, Tropical
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
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
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$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
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
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
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 lush Pseudopanax laetus shrub.
Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger)

Pseudopanax laetus, commonly known as the Large-leaved Five Finger, is a striking New Zealand native shrub renowned for its lush, glossy green...

From$30.29
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
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas 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
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$9.95
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
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
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$11.95
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...

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 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
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
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
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
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
sansevieria-green-1
Sansevieria Green (Serpent Plant)

Sansevieria Green, commonly known as the Snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$32.95
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
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
Leptospermum 'Wairere'

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, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

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.

Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Cedrus atlantica, Acer palmatum 'Shaina', and Saxifraga 'Starblush' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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