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native plants wellington

Looking to create a thriving, sustainable garden in Wellington? Native plants offer the perfect solution for both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners. Not only are native plants well-adapted to the Wellington climate and soils, but they're also low-maintenance, attract local wildlife, and help preserve New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. Whether you're establishing a wind-sheltered backyard oasis or restoring a coastal section, native plants Wellington are a beautiful and resilient choice.

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.

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
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

5 from 1 customers

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 glossy green leaves. This evergreen tree flowers throughout much of the year, attracting native birds such as tui and kererū.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Native
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

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

From$298.09
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...

From$309.51
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...

From$323.65
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...

From$270.40
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
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$16.95
leptospermum-wairere-
Leptospermum 'Wairere'

Leptospermum 'Wairere' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of attractive flowers through spring and summer. This...

From$27.53
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...

From$192.51
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
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
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
Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.
Sophora prostrata

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers...

From$26.15
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...

From$515.35
Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

From$10.95
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...

From$13.73
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...

From$9.95
Sea Spurge plants with elegant blue foliage for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Euphorbia glauca (Shore Spurge)

Euphorbia glauca, commonly known as Sea Spurge, is a striking New Zealand native prized for its blue-green foliage and resilience in coastal...

From$17.95
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
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$19.50
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Knightia excelsa

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search native plants wellington

Why Choose Native Plants in Wellington?

Wellington’s challenging weather and unique landscapes demand hardy, adaptable plants. Native plants are naturally suited to withstand Wellington's strong winds, salty air, and varying rainfall. They require minimal watering once established and resist local pests more effectively than many exotics. By choosing native plants Wellington, you'll nurture your garden and the wider environment, providing important food and shelter for birds, insects, and lizards.

Top Native Plants for Wellington Gardens

When planning a native garden in Wellington, consider a diverse mix of shrubs, groundcovers, and specimen plants. Shrubs like Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze' add year-round colour and textural interest, with bronze-toned foliage perfect for contrast borders. Low-growing options like Leptospermum Wairere create dense groundcover, suppressing weeds and stabilising slopes.

Looking for something more unusual? Carpodetus serratus prostrata is a naturally spreading form of the native putaputawētā, ideal for trailing over rock walls or filling tricky spots. For a lush, flowering groundcover, Pratia angulata offers delicate white blooms and is an excellent choice for shaded beds or damp garden edges.

If you’d like native structure and food in your section, don’t forget the classics like Kōwhai, Kānuka, and Pōhutukawa. And for a productive twist, Morus nigra 'Wellington' (Black Mulberry) delivers delicious berries along with shelter and shade, blending function and native beauty.

How to Plant and Care for Native Plants in Wellington

Success with native plants Wellington starts with proper site preparation. Wellington’s soils are often clay-rich—improve drainage with compost and mulch to give your plants the best start. Most native species prefer full sun to dappled shade, but be sure to check individual requirements. Water regularly during the first summer, then let their adaptability take over.

Mulch with organic materials to reduce weeds and keep roots cool, and prune native shrubs only as needed for shape. Fertilising is rarely necessary, as native plants thrive in lean soils.

Create a Resilient, Beautiful Wellington Garden

By choosing native plants Wellington, you’re investing in a garden that celebrates New Zealand’s unique flora while enhancing local habitat. Whether your space is large or small, native plants provide texture, colour, food, and shelter for years to come. Explore our selection of Wellington-suited natives like Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze', Leptospermum Wairere, and Pratia angulata to start transforming your garden today.


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.

We love Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Wisteria 'Lipstick', Hedera 'Silver Variegated', and Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'.
–The Plant Company

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