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

Supporting native bees is one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can do for your garden and the wider New Zealand environment. By choosing native plants for bees, you’re not only providing essential food sources for pollinators but also encouraging biodiversity and healthier ecosystems. Whether you’re planting in a compact urban backyard or establishing a larger rural garden, there are plenty of stunning native options that make your garden buzz with life all year round.

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 to pink flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought, frost, and coastal conditions. Mānuka is ideal for native gardens, erosion control, and attracting pollinators. This low-maintenance plant is also valued for its role in producing Manuka honey and is perfect for naturalistic NZ landscapes.

Buy Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

From $13.43

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

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

Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and pollinators. This hardy plant thrives in a wide range of conditions and is ideal for shelter, revegetation, and feature planting. It brings a natural look and strong ecological value to gardens and landscapes.

Buy Kunzea robusta

From $14.78

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 8.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

Why Choose Native Plants for Bees?

Native plants for bees have evolved alongside New Zealand’s unique bee species, especially the many solitary native bees. These plants provide plentiful nectar and pollen, are hardy, and often require less maintenance as they’re perfectly adapted to local conditions. Integrating these plants into your garden will give both wild and managed bees (like honey bees) a reliable source of food and habitat.

Top Native Plants for Bees in New Zealand

Manuka

One of the most famous natives, Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka), is a bee magnet in spring through early summer when its delicate flowers cover the shrubs. Manuka’s long flowering period offers an extended feast for bees, making it a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden.

Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta, also known as Kanuka, is another fantastic choice. Its small, creamy-white blooms appear in abundance and are especially valuable in supporting native bee populations. Kanuka is resilient, beautifully upright, and ideal for mixed native plantings.

Hebe stricta (Koromiko)

Hebe stricta (Koromiko) thrives across New Zealand and is renowned for its spikes of white to pale lilac flowers, which bees adore. Koromiko’s resilience makes it ideal for a range of conditions, from coastal areas to suburban borders.

Leptospermum Hybrids

Hybrid tea-trees such as Leptospermum 'Merinda' and Leptospermum 'Outrageous' bring a splash of colour to your native garden, with their showy blooms enticing bees over a long season. They’re particularly hardy and suit modern landscaping as well as traditional native schemes.

Creating a Bee-Friendly Native Plant Garden

When choosing native plants for bees, aim to select a range that bloom across different seasons, ensuring there are flowers year-round. Cluster plantings are especially helpful, allowing bees to forage efficiently. Incorporate a variety of flower shapes and heights to support different bee species. Avoid pesticides, provide fresh water, and let a little leaf litter gather for nesting sites.

Why Native Plants for Bees Matter

By planting native plants for bees, you support pollination for your fruit, vegetables, and flowers, while also nurturing vital ecological connections. You can make a difference, whether you’re planting a single Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) or establishing a whole bee corridor.

Get started today and fill your garden with the buzzing energy of thriving bees and beautiful, hardy native plants.

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.