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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.

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

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

5 from 1 customers

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. Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is commonly used as a groundcover, added to coastal plantings, included in rock gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, grown on a bank, or positioned so it can spill out over a path or over a wall.

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
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

5 from 2 customers

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The dense branching and subtle green tones create a soft natural look while providing structure year round. This low maintenance plant is ideal for challenging environments and thrives in exposed sites. Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is perfect for coastal gardens, borders, and native plantings.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping 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$18.23
leptinella-dioica-

Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons)

Leptinella dioica (aka Cotula dioica), commonly known as Bachelors Buttons, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and...

From$18.23
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$22.88
Brachyglottis greyii shrubs with masses of yellow flowers.

Brachyglottis greyi

Brachyglottis greyi, commonly known as Coastal Ragwort or Grey-leaved Ragwort, is a native New Zealand shrub growing up to 2 metres tall and wide. It...

From$24.23
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Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

Leptinella pusilla, commonly known as the Purple Brass Buttons plant, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and somewhat...

From$18.23
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Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over...

From$23.63
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$20.93
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$20.18
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$24.23
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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

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Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.

Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$20.18
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
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Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant)

Brunfelsia Scent-Sational, commonly known as the Yesterday Today Tomorrow plant features masses of sweetly fragrant, pansy like flowers during spring...

From$32.33
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$29.63
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
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Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
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$32.33
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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
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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$12.50
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Brachyglottis, Brunfelsia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Fuchsia, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Leptinella, Mint, Monstera, Perovskia, Pimelea, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Pseudopanax, Sansevieria, Sedum Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Native Plant Fertiliser, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

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.

From trusted favourites like Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii to fresh faces like Picea glauca Conica, Blueberry 'Powder Blue', and Sempervivum tectorum — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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