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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$37.19
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$14.50
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
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
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$270.40
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
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.
Metrosideros carminea

Metrosideros carminea, commonly known as Climbing Rata or Crimson Rata Vine, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its vivid red flowers and...

From$26.15
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$30.29
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$11.95
clianthus-kaka-king-
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...

From$116.12
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
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
Dymondia margaretae growing between pavers and featuring small, grey foliage.
Dymondia margaretae

Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) is a hardy low growing groundcover valued for its attractive silver green foliage and dense spreading habit. This...

From$13.95
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$11.95
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$14.95
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
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$16.49
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$44.09
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
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
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$13.40
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
Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agave, Fuchsia, and Metrosideros, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Succulents.

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 Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) to fresh faces like Callistemon 'Slim' (Slim Bottlebrush), Grevillea 'Cream and Green', and Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree) — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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