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.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)
Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely clothed with short, light green, needle-like leaves. A mature tree has a broad crown and eventually reaches a height of 25 m and a width of 10 m, with leaves that are now short and sharp. Dacrydium cupressinum is suited to revegetation plantings or for growing as a specimen in a large garden or park.
From $99.29
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics. Large clusters of cream-white flowers are produced in spring which result in masses of bright red-orange berries which can remain on the tree into winter. It bears lush, lime green foliage which develops light orange tones in autumn before falling as it grows to 7 m tall and 5 m wide. Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is commonly grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, used in avenue plantings, or included in a cottage garden.
