Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

native wetland plants

Native wetland plants play a crucial role in New Zealand’s ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife, helping manage water quality, and supporting biodiversity. If you’re looking to restore a wetland, create a wildlife-friendly garden, or stabilize a pond margin, choosing the right native wetland plants is essential. These species thrive in moist soils and can handle periodic flooding, making them perfect for both natural wetlands and constructed water features. At our nursery, we offer a range of robust, locally-sourced wetland species that will bring your landscape to life while supporting environmental health.

Baumea articulata (Jointed Twig Rush) with upright, green foliage, growing in water.

Baumea articulata

5 from 2 customers

Baumea articulata, commonly known as the Jointed Twig Rush, is an attractive, NZ native grass grown for its aesthetics and ability to handle and colonise extremely wet soils. It forms a dense sward as it grows to 1.5 m tall, which provides an excellent habitat for frogs and water birds. New leaves emerge light green, then age to dark green, and are complemented by brown flower heads throughout the summer. Baumea articulata will happily grow in fresh, standing water (e.g., dams, swamps, creeks, and drainage areas) up to 1 m deep. This is a favoured plant among landscape designers constructing wetland areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like leaves. It typically grows to 75 cm tall and the same wide, but will spread to colonise a larger area with time. Juncus edgariae is commonly used in riparian and wetland plantings, and is also included in modern gardens, where it is utilised in borders and mixed plantings.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex virgata

Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that thrives in wetlands, damp soils, and along waterways. It forms...

From$15.53
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.51
A large Plagianthus divaricatus shrub with fine, green foliage.

Plagianthus divaricatus (Marsh Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus divaricatus, commonly known as Marsh Ribbonwood or Makaka, is a hardy New Zealand native shrub ideal for coastal and wetland restoration...

From$24.23

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$24.23
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.

Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.13
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.

Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$15.53
Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.

Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage...

From$15.53
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.48
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.

Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$16.13
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani plants growing in water.

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Soft-Stem Bullrush)

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, commonly known as Softstem Bulrush, is a tall, upright aquatic plant valued for its slender blue-green stems and...

From$15.53
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
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
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
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
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
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
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
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$12.50
serissa-snowflake--2

Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
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$6.53
70-windbreak-2

Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$420.00
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
Baumea articulata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Baumea, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Cyperus, Dacrycarpus, Duranta, Helichrysum, Juncus, Kniphofia, Laurelia, Leonotis, Perovskia, Plagianthus, Sansevieria, Schoenoplectus, Serissa Stromanthe and Typha, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Native Plant Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

Search native wetland plants

Benefits of Native Wetland Plants

Native wetland plants are perfectly adapted to New Zealand’s climate and conditions. Their strong root systems help filter pollutants, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to cleaner waterways. In addition, wetland flora such as sedges, rushes, and shrubs offer vital shelter and food for birds, insects, amphibians, and aquatic life. Establishing a diverse mix of these plants in your wetland area can enhance natural beauty, boost ecological function, and support conservation efforts.

Popular Native Wetland Plants

Some of the most popular native wetland plants we recommend include:

Planting and Care Tips

To establish native wetland plants successfully, it’s important to match the plant’s requirements to your specific site conditions. Most wetland species prefer damp to waterlogged soil, but some tolerate temporary dryness. Prepare your site by removing weeds and ensuring adequate moisture. Plant in groups for a natural look, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, native wetland plants generally require little maintenance, relying on natural rainfall and seasonal flooding.

Enhance Your Wetland with Native Flora

Selecting the right native wetland plants can transform your landscape into a thriving ecosystem. Explore our nursery’s extensive range, including Baumea articulata, Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush), Carex virgata, Typha orientalis (Raupō), and Plagianthus divaricatus (Marsh Ribbonwood). With expert advice and high-quality plants, restoring or creating a vibrant wetland in your garden has never been easier.


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

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews