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native plants that attract birds

New Zealand gardens are often filled with the sounds and colours of native birds, especially when planted with native plants that attract birds. By choosing the right species, you can turn your backyard into a haven for tūī, kererū, bellbirds, and many other feathered visitors. Our unique native flora offers nectar, fruit, and shelter year-round, providing the essential ingredients to support healthy bird populations.

Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark red flowers bloom across the tree in summer and are great for attracting birds. The flowers are complemented by long, narrow leaves that are mid-green and held densely on upright branches. This tree grows with a somewhat narrow habit, reaching approximately 30 m in height and 8 m in width. Knightia excelsa is commonly included in native revegetation projects, grown as a specimen in extensive gardens or parks, or planted to attract birds.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Coastal, Native
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen tree produces glossy green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by orange fruit that attract kererū and other native birds. It is an important species for biodiversity and a striking addition to native gardens and restoration projects.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
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$169.98
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.

Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$21.53
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.

Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta, commonly known as Kanuka or the White Tea Tree, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release...

From$205.02
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.

Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$70.13
Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.

Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Sophora 'Dragons Gold' is a highly ornamental NZ native shrub renowned for its early and vibrant golden yellow flowers. Blooming in late winter and...

From$28.28
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$24.23
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$25.58
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$25.58
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$358.98
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$18.83
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

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...

From$299.92
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$6.68
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$299.92
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
fuscospora-solandri-

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$358.98
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
tecomaria-capensis-1

Tecomaria capensis

Tecomaria capensis, commonly known as Cape Honeysuckle, this is a quick growing shrub renowned for its pretty flowers and foliage. Showy, orange...

From$29.63
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' plant with pink flowers.

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a low growing evergreen shrub valued for its bronze tinted foliage and vibrant red flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$26.93
Coprosma propinqua shrub laiden with blue berries.

Coprosma propinqua (Mikimiki)

Coprosma propinqua, commonly known as Mingimingi or Mikimiki, is a hardy New Zealand native shrub characterised by its interlaced branches and small...

From$17.48
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
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a popular evergreen groundcover shrub admired for its dense, spreading habit and masses of pink and cream...

From$28.28
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
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
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
sansevieria-hahnii-

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
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
chlorophytum-curly--2

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
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

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
Knightia excelsa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alectryon, Aristotelia, Beilschmiedia, Chlorophytum, Clianthus, Coprosma, Cordyline, Fuscospora, Grevillea, Hedycarya, Knightia, Kniphofia, Kunzea, Leonotis, Perovskia, Pseudopanax, Sansevieria, Sophora, Stromanthe Tecomaria and Vitex, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search native plants that attract birds

Why Grow Native Plants That Attract Birds?

Planting native plants that attract birds is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with Aotearoa’s natural heritage. Many native species have evolved alongside our birds, forming a mutual relationship where plants provide food and shelter while birds help with pollination and seed dispersal. Welcoming birds enhances your garden’s biodiversity, supports threatened wildlife, and brings an extra dimension of life that’s both beautiful and beneficial.

Top Native Trees and Shrubs for Bird-Friendly Gardens

Some native plants are particularly effective at attracting birds due to their nectar-rich flowers, abundant fruits, or dense foliage for nesting.

How to Create a Bird-Friendly Native Garden

To successfully attract birds, incorporate a mix of canopy and understorey species, evergreens, and deciduous varieties that flower and fruit at different times of the year. Plant in groups to mimic natural habitats, and layer heights to provide sheltered perches and nesting locations.

Include water sources, avoid pesticides, and be patient—planting native plants that attract birds creates lasting change over several seasons, as the ecosystem finds its balance and birds begin to trust your garden as a regular stop.

Start Your Bird Garden With Us

With the right native plants that attract birds, your garden can become a thriving sanctuary for New Zealand's wildlife. Explore our range of trees and shrubs like Knightia excelsa, Hedycarya arborea, Sophora fulvida, Clianthus Kaka King (Kaka King Clianthus), and Coprosma robusta (Karamu) to get started today. Create a living legacy and bring your garden to life with every flutter and song.


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.

–The Plant Company

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