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native trees and shrubs

Native trees and shrubs are the backbone of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, offering essential habitats for wildlife, supporting pollinators, and enhancing the character of gardens and landscapes. Whether you’re restoring a section, sheltering your property from the wind, or simply seeking hardy, beautiful foliage, native trees and shrubs adapt effortlessly to local soils and climates. Their resilience, low-maintenance nature, and ecological benefits make them a popular choice for both large-scale planting projects and private gardens across the country.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

5 from 2 customers

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 to pink flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought, frost, and coastal conditions. Mānuka is ideal for native gardens, erosion control, and attracting pollinators. This low-maintenance plant is also valued for its role in producing Manuka honey and is perfect for naturalistic NZ landscapes.

From $13.73

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand. Known for its narrow, grey-green leaves and upright form, it typically grows to 4–6 metres tall and 3–4 metres wide. The foliage has a subtle silver tone, which softens the appearance of dense planting and adds contrast to green-dominated gardens. In spring, small dark red to purple flowers appear, offering seasonal interest and attracting native insects.

From $26.15

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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$323.65
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
Kunzea ericoides (Kanuka) shrub in full flower.
Kunzea ericoides

Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance...

From$8.97
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
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
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...

From$494.05
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$26.15
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$41.33
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...

From$15.04
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
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...

From$99.29
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.77
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...

From$270.40
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
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$323.65
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
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$16.49
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$31.67
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$19.25
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$24.77
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$376.90
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

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

From$270.40
sorbus-scarlet-king-
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...

From$387.55
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
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$313.00
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aristotelia, Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, Cedrela, Cordyline, Dacrydium, Fuscospora, Hedycarya, Hoheria, Knightia, Kunzea, Laurelia, Leptospermum, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Plagianthus, Prumnopitys, Sophora, Sorbus, and Vitex,, or related Categories - Shrubs, Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, Magnolia Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search native trees and shrubs

Why Choose Native Trees and Shrubs?

Selecting native trees and shrubs for your planting projects goes beyond aesthetics. These plants have evolved in New Zealand’s distinctive environments and provide critical food and shelter for native birds, insects, and lizards. By opting for natives, you’re supporting healthy ecosystems while also creating outdoor spaces brimming with year-round interest and natural character. From the iconic silver and advanced shelterbelts to specimen trees, native flora is well-suited to both rural and urban sites, with many species thriving even in tough conditions.

Popular Native Trees and Shrubs for Every Garden

New Zealand is renowned for a diverse range of native species that offer everything from striking flowers to lush, varied foliage. One favourite is the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka), a hardy shrub equally at home in coastal or rural settings. Its delicate white or pink blossoms are a magnet for pollinators each spring.

For striking shape and golden blooms, Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai) makes an elegant statement and brings nectar-seeking birds to your garden. If you want to introduce evergreen structure and the scent of the New Zealand forest, Laurelia novae-zelandiae offers lush, aromatic foliage and a graceful form.

The impressive Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) is prized for its longevity and hardiness, making it an excellent choice for larger gardens or shelterbelt plantings. And for those keen on a compact, coastal-tolerant tree with showy yellow flowers, Sophora chathamica is both versatile and visually striking.

Uses for Native Trees and Shrubs

There are endless possibilities for incorporating native trees and shrubs into your landscape. Use robust natives for shelter belts, hedging, and erosion control, or select smaller species for mixed native gardens and foundation planting. Their root systems often help stabilise soils, while evergreen forms provide privacy, screen out wind, and add lush foliage year-round. Flowering natives not only support honey bees and native fauna but also bring seasonal colour and interest to your outdoor space.

Caring for Your Native Plants

Most native trees and shrubs thrive when planted in well-drained soil and given some protection from harsh elements until established. A layer of mulch will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring strong, healthy growth. Once settled in, natives generally require little maintenance, adapting naturally to local rainfall patterns and temperature variations.

For a thriving, dynamic garden that supports New Zealand’s ecological heritage, consider adding more native trees and shrubs to your home or property. Whether you’re after hardy shelter, beautiful blossoms, or a lasting legacy for future generations, local natives are the perfect fit. Explore favourites like Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka), Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai), Laurelia novae-zelandiae, Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai), and Sophora chathamica to find the right natives for your landscape.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Celebrate your favourites like Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight', then branch out with Metrosideros 'Dalese', Ginkgo Little Weeper, and Camellia 'Maroon and Gold'.
–The Plant Company

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