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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.

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

5 from 1 customers

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground. Naturally tough and adaptable, it thrives in coastal conditions, exposed sites, and light frost. Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is both practical and decorative in NZ gardens and landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade to full sun and is tolerant of wind and coastal conditions once established.

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
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$20.18
leptospermum-wairere-

Leptospermum Wairere

Leptospermum Wairere, also known as Leptospermum scoparium Wairere, is a low-growing, spreading New Zealand native shrub celebrated for its profusion...

From$26.93
leptospermum-merinda-

Leptospermum 'Merinda'

Leptospermum 'Merinda' is a beautiful flowering manuka shrub valued for its masses of colourful blooms and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive...

From$26.93
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$14.78
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$20.18
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$15.53
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$21.53
pittosporum-frankies-folly-

Pittosporum Frankies Folly

Pittosporum 'Frankies Folly' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its naturally rounded form and dense foliage. This hardy New Zealand native...

From$25.58
leptospermum-outrageous-2

Leptospermum 'Outrageous'

Leptospermum 'Outrageous' is a vibrant flowering manuka shrub known for its showy blooms and fine evergreen foliage. This eye catching plant brings...

From$26.93
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
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$24.23
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$457.29
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$97.13
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$20.18
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
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$277.74
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$21.53
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$358.98
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
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$28.28
pittosporum-irish-luck-

Pittosporum Irish Luck (Black Matipo)

Caring for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is simple and low maintenance. Pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth...

From$21.53
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
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
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$29.63
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
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$20.93
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$20.18
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
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
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
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Agathis, Arthropodium, Beilschmiedia, Bergenia, Carex, Coprosma, Dianella, Duranta, Dysoxylum, Griselinia, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leptospermum, Libocedrus, Mint, Monstera, Pittosporum, Sedum, Sophora Stromanthe and Typha, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

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.


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

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