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native plants for steep slopes

Managing steep slopes in the garden can be challenging, but selecting the right native plants for steep slopes makes a world of difference. Whether you're dealing with erosion, runoff, or simply looking to enhance the natural beauty of your hillside, New Zealand native plants offer resilient, low-maintenance options that thrive in these unique conditions. Using species specifically adapted to steep sites not only helps protect your land but also encourages biodiversity and supports local wildlife.

Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.

Coprosma kirkii

5 from 3 customers

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

5 from 1 customers

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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...

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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

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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...

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White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

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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...

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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...

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Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

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Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

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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...

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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...

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Juniperus conferta

Juniperus conferta, commonly known as Shore Juniper, is a hardy evergreen conifer valued for its dense, spreading habit and fresh green foliage. It...

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Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

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Fuscospora solandri

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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...

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Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Genista 'Yellow Imp'

Genista Yellow Imp (Yellow Broom) is a bright and cheerful evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vivid yellow flowers that cover the plant in...

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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...

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

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Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

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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...

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Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.
Sophora fulvida

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Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
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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...

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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...

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Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

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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...

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Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

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Coprosma kirkii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Cistus, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search native plants for steep slopes

Why Choose Native Plants for Steep Slopes?

Native plants for steep slopes are naturally suited to New Zealand’s climate and soil conditions, making them hardy and dependable choices for gardeners. Their strong root systems help stabilise the soil, reducing erosion and sediment loss during heavy rainfall. Because these plants have evolved here, they tend to require less water and fertiliser than exotic species, and they’re less prone to local pests and diseases.

Top Native Groundcover Plants for Slopes

When covering a steep bank, groundcovers are especially valuable. Low-growing, mat-forming natives weave together to create a living carpet, holding soil in place and smothering weeds. Some of the best groundcover options for slopes include:

Shrubs and Tough Natives for Bank Stability

In addition to groundcovers, incorporating larger native shrubs strengthens the structure of a steep bank. Shrubs help create layered vegetation, with deep-reaching roots that add extra soil stability over time.

Combining groundcovers with well-chosen shrubs leads to a more robust, resilient slope garden, and planting in groups rather than individuals ensures better coverage and anchoring power.

Designing with Native Plants for Steep Slopes

When planning a planting scheme, consider the local microclimate, sun exposure, and moisture levels your slope receives. Opt for a mix of fast-establishing species to quickly cover ground, alongside slower-growing, longer-lived natives to provide ongoing stability and year-round interest. Native grasses and flaxes can also punctuate your planting, but always prioritise dense groundcovers in erosion-prone areas.

For a lush, low-care hillside that's both beautiful and practical, choose New Zealand native plants for steep slopes and enjoy the benefits of an attractive, well-protected landscape for years to come.


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.

Our most famous blooms include Lomandra Frosty Tops and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma), but some of our best-kept secrets are Hebe 'Wairua Beauty', Prunus 'Ichiyo', and Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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