native shade plants
Finding the right native shade plants for your New Zealand garden can transform those dim, tricky corners into thriving, lush spaces. Choosing natives ensures that your garden is naturally suited to local conditions, supports wildlife, and provides robust beauty with minimum fuss. Whether you’re sheltering under towering trees, brightening up a shaded patio, or seeking groundcovers for dappled woodland light, New Zealand’s native flora offers a surprising range of shade-loving options. Here, discover top picks and expert tips to help you select and care for native shade plants that suit your outdoor spaces.
Carpodetus serratus
Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host marbled foliage. It grows with an open framework, though the juvenile form tends to have distinctly tangled growth and a greater degree of leaf marbling. It typically grows to 8 m in height and 3 m in width, performing best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. Carpodetus serratus is commonly grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting in a large garden, or included in revegetation and native projects.
From $343.89
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 colour from blue, white, to deep purple. They are held amidst the strap-like, glossy green leaves. Dianella nigra typically grows to 40 cm tall and 50 cm wide, and is commonly included in a mixed planting or border, used in cottage gardens, or mass planted either on a bank or as a groundcover.
From $20.18
