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native plants for dry sunny areas

New Zealand’s unique landscape and climate often present gardeners with the challenge of finding native plants for dry sunny areas. Whether you’re working with a coastal garden, a sunbaked bank, or simply a spot that doesn’t get much water, choosing drought-tolerant natives ensures your garden not only thrives but also supports local biodiversity. Native plants suited to dry, sunny spots have adapted over centuries to handle heat and short periods without rain, making them both beautiful and easy-care additions to your landscape.

A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson'

5 from 2 customers

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially fused lobes and toothed margins.

From $192.51

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
pseudopanax-lessonii-gold-finger-

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 colourful leaves provide year round brightness and contrast, making this variety an excellent feature plant for modern and native landscapes.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, 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
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
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
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
gazania-kiss-frosty-white-
Gazania 'Kiss Frosty White'

Gazania Kiss Frosty White is a compact and vibrant perennial that produces bright white flowers with bold central contrast. It thrives in sunny New...

From$20.63
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$30.29
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$20.01
Pseudowintera colorata colourful foliage.
Pseudowintera colorata

Pseudowintera colorata, commonly known as Mountain Horopito, is a NZ native shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth has dominant red tones...

From$387.55
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
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...

From$8.97
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Metrosideros Vibrance red flowers amidst lush foliage on a mature tree.
Metrosideros 'Vibrance'

Metrosideros 'Vibrance' is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its vivid red flowers and dense, silver-green foliage. Typically growing to 4-5...

From$34.43
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
Cistus 'Bennetts White' white flower.
Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Bennetts White’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its crisp white flowers with a yellow centre, blooming abundantly in late spring...

From$24.77
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
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
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...

From$27.53
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
leptinella-dioica-
Leptinella dioica

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense...

From$13.95
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
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
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
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$7.50
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$16.95
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
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
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
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
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
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
Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search native plants for dry sunny areas

Why Choose Native Plants for Dry Sunny Areas?

Selecting native plants for dry sunny areas means less fuss over irrigation, more resilience against local pests and diseases, and a garden that effortlessly blends with New Zealand’s natural beauty. Native species are perfectly suited to local conditions, often needing less fertiliser and care than exotics. Their deep roots and adaptive strategies help stabilise soils and offer habitats for birds and beneficial insects.

Our Top Native Picks for Dry, Sunny Gardens

Looking to create a garden that’s both hardy and visually appealing? Here are some of our favourite native plants for dry sunny areas:

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

This stunning groundcover forms soft, blue-grey foliage that hugs the ground and produces small, scented white flowers. Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' tolerates harsh sun and poor, sandy soils, making it perfect for seaside or exposed gardens.

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Known for its low, spreading habit, Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is an ideal choice for covering ground in dry, sunny positions. Its tiny green leaves and wiry stems double as excellent weed suppressors and erosion control.

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

For those seeking colour, Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia) offers vibrant creeping foliage and unique yellow-green flowers. Tough enough for exposed spots, it brings both visual interest and resilience.

Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons)

Another top-performing groundcover, Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons) forms a dense mat of finely divided foliage. It thrives in sun and is wonderfully drought-tolerant, perfect for pathway edges or between pavers.

Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

For structural impact, Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood) offers striking, toothed leaves and a tough constitution in sunny, dry settings. Its sculptural form brings height and drama to modern and native-inspired gardens.

Get Started with Drought-Tolerant Native Plants

Choosing native plants for dry sunny areas is both environmentally friendly and low-maintenance. With the right selection, you’ll achieve a beautiful garden that conserves water and thrives year-round. Explore our range of drought-tolerant natives to create a garden that celebrates the best of New Zealand’s flora.

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.
From trusted favourites like Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' to fresh faces like Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle', Alnus jorullensis, and Weigela 'Wine And Roses' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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