Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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native plants for under trees

Finding the right native plants for under trees can transform shaded, hard-to-grow areas into lush, thriving corners of your New Zealand garden. Whether you’re working beneath established natives or deciduous canopy, the right understorey choices add year-round texture, colour, and biodiversity. Native groundcovers, ferns, and shade-tolerant shrubs not only emphasise our unique flora but also support bird life, suppress weeds, and manage moisture—all while celebrating the beauty of Aotearoa’s landscapes.

Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and lemon-scented foliage. It can reach 10 metres tall and makes an excellent shelter tree or native hedge. In spring, it produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers that are attractive to insects.

Buy Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

From $15.04

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Native, Riparian

Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural character.

Buy Fuscospora solandri

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 30.00 m

Spread: 10.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Native

Why Choose Native Plants for Under Trees?

Native plants for under trees are adapted to local conditions, making them low-maintenance and resilient to New Zealand’s varied climate. Many native species thrive in dappled light, coping well with competition for moisture and nutrients. Incorporating them under your canopy trees aids in preserving New Zealand’s natural heritage and fosters a sense of place within your garden.

Top Native Plants for Under Tree Shaded Spots

Here are some outstanding native options to consider for filling those tricky shady spots:

Groundcovers and Ferns

Some of the best native plants for under trees include shade-loving groundcovers like Hebe, Astelia, and native ferns such as kiokio (Blechnum novae-zelandiae) and hen and chicken fern (Asplenium bulbiferum). These species create lush carpeting, protect soil from erosion, and add a softly textured understorey layer.

Small Native Shrubs

For a glossy, vibrant contrast, consider smaller native shrubs including Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant). This hardy evergreen thrives in partial shade and offers shiny foliage, providing year-round structure and colour while coping beautifully below larger trees.

Complementing Your Tree Canopy

If you are selecting larger trees for your canopy, Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree) is a majestic native conifer that pairs beautifully with an underplanting of ferns and soft groundcovers. The drooping foliage of Rimu offers dappled light, ideal for layers of natives beneath.

Blending Natives with Other Shade-Loving Plants

While focusing on native plants for under trees, you can also blend in hardy exotics to extend seasonal interest. Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) is a tough, shade-tolerant perennial with bold leaves and pretty flowers, perfect for interplanting with natives. For a more tropical flair, Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) can provide dramatic foliage contrasts under taller canopy trees. Alternatively, if your garden includes deciduous classics, Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ) combines well with both native and shade-tolerant underplantings.

Tips for Planting Under Existing Trees

To give your native plants the best start under trees: - Water deeply during establishment, especially if the canopy tree draws up much moisture - Gently enrich the soil with compost, taking care not to disturb established roots - Mulch with leaf litter to mimic natural forest conditions and conserve moisture

Transform Your Garden with Native Understorey

Enhancing shady spaces with native plants for under trees is a rewarding way to make every part of your garden vibrant, sustainable, and full of life. Explore our wide range of New Zealand natives and shade-loving companions to create lush, layered landscapes in even the most challenging spots.

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.

native plants for under trees

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Fuscospora solandri

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Why Choose Native Plants for Under Trees?