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naturally native new zealand plants

Naturally native New Zealand plants are the backbone of Aotearoa’s unique landscapes, offering not only beauty and resilience but also vital support for local ecosystems. These indigenous species are ideally adapted to New Zealand’s diverse climates and soils, making them a top choice for gardeners seeking easy-care, sustainable gardens. Whether you’re restoring a native bush area, creating a lush coastal garden, or looking for low-maintenance plants that support birdlife, incorporating New Zealand natives brings lasting benefits to your outdoor spaces.

Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.

Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy green leaves. It naturally grows as an epiphyte or on rocky outcrops, but also thrives in garden settings. Akapuka can reach heights of 4-8 metres and is ideal for creating a lush, tropical feel.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical
Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' shrubs with light green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi'

5 from 1 customers

Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' is a compact New Zealand native evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy form. This dwarf variety provides year round structure and colour while requiring very little maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and smaller gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock
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Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
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
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$17.95
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$17.95
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Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

From$17.95
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
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$22.01
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$17.95
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' plants with elegant white flowers bordering a path.
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’ is a compact New Zealand native perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit, slender green foliage, and masses of starry...

From$16.50
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$11.95
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Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

From$17.95
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
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
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$270.40
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
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$169.24
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$229.95
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
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...

From$16.49
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
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
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$14.84
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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
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
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
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
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
gazania-new-day-red-stripe--1
Gazania 'New Day Red Stripe'

Gazania 'New Day Red Stripe' is a colourful perennial valued for its distinctive striped flowers, compact habit, and long flowering performance. The...

From$20.63
Griselinia lucida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aristotelia, Arthropodium, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Perennials, and Shrubs.

Search naturally native new zealand plants

Why Choose Naturally Native New Zealand Plants?

The advantages of naturally native New Zealand plants extend far beyond their attractive forms and foliage. Because these plants have evolved over thousands of years in New Zealand, they require less water and fertiliser once established and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. Their growth habits support healthy soils and help to prevent erosion, making them excellent choices for landscaping sloped or coastal areas.

Planting naturally native species also supports native birds, insects and overall biodiversity. Many New Zealanders are choosing native plants to attract wildlife like tui, bellbirds and fantails, all of which depend on indigenous species for nectar and shelter.

Popular Naturally Native New Zealand Plants

New Zealand boasts hundreds of spectacular native plants, from towering trees to tough groundcovers. Among the most popular and versatile is Griselinia lucida, renowned for its vibrant green leaves and ability to thrive in coastal or exposed sites. This hardy shrub provides reliable structure in both formal hedges and naturalistic plantings.

Groundcovers are essential for suppressing weeds and stabilising soil. Coprosma kirkii and its eye-catching variant, Coprosma kirkii 'variegata', offer dense, trailing foliage perfect for banks or underplanting lighter-shaded areas. Another superb choice is Leptospermum Wairere, an attractive prostrate shrub that produces small, white flowers in spring and attracts beneficial insects.

If you prefer showy blooms, Leptospermum 'Merinda' brings a profusion of pink flowers and soft green foliage, ideal for mixed native borders or feature displays.

Creating a Native Garden at Home

Establishing a garden with naturally native New Zealand plants is a rewarding project for gardeners of all skill levels. Start by considering your site’s conditions, including sun exposure, wind, and drainage. Select a mix of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers such as Griselinia lucida, Coprosma kirkii, and Leptospermum Wairere to create layers that mimic natural ecosystems. The result is a hardy, attractive garden that requires minimal maintenance and supports the rich biodiversity that makes New Zealand so special.

With a thoughtful selection of naturally native New Zealand plants, you’ll enjoy a resilient, thriving garden that connects you to Aotearoa’s heritage and helps protect local wildlife for generations to come.


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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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