Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

new zealand native ground cover plants

Looking to create a lush, low-maintenance landscape with New Zealand native ground cover plants? Whether you need weed-suppressing foliage for tricky slopes, a soft carpet for shaded corners, or a hardy companion for garden paths, native ground covers offer both beauty and ecological benefits. These plants are well-adapted to local conditions, attracting native birds and insects while helping to conserve water and reduce maintenance. Discover the best picks for New Zealand gardens, from sun-loving mats to prostrate shrubs, and enjoy a vibrant, biodiverse green space that thrives year-round.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green leaves. It forms a dense, mat-like spread ideal for covering banks, rockeries, or underplanting.

Buy Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

From $20.01

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 20 cm

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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 with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground.

Buy Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

From $17.95

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

Why Choose New Zealand Native Ground Cover Plants?

New Zealand native ground cover plants are uniquely suited to local soils and climate, offering a sustainable solution for gardeners who want easy-care greenery. Using native ground covers supports biodiversity, mitigates erosion, and helps keep weeds at bay. Their naturally compact and spreading growth habits make them ideal for filling gaps between larger plantings, stabilising embankments, and softening edges in contemporary or traditional designs.

Top New Zealand Native Ground Covers

When planning your garden, it’s important to select ground cover plants that match your site conditions—sun, shade, moisture, and soil type. Here are some outstanding choices:

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

This hardy, wiry creeper forms a delicate mat of dark green foliage, ideal for sunny spots and well-drained soils. Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) is remarkably tolerant of wind and dry periods, making it perfect for rock gardens, retaining walls, and coastal plantings.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

With attractive cream-edged leaves, Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' provides year-round ground cover and visual interest. Its prostrate growth and salt tolerance make it a top pick for seaside gardens or borders.

Coprosma kirkii

This tough native offers dense foliage and spreading form, perfect for covering large areas quickly. Coprosma kirkii is ideal for suppressing weeds on difficult banks and creating habitat for beneficial insects.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Low-growing and adorned with silver-blue leaves, Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' brings a touch of colour to your ground covers. It thrives in sun or partial shade and copes well with coastal conditions.

Pimelea mimosa

Another standout, Pimelea mimosa forms an attractive mat of foliage with dainty white flowers. It’s a versatile ground cover for rockeries or as edging in native mixed plantings.

How to Plant and Care for Native Ground Covers

For best results, plant New Zealand native ground cover plants in well-prepared soil, free of competition from weeds. Mulching helps with establishment and moisture conservation. Water regularly during the first season, especially in dry periods. Most native ground covers thrive with minimal intervention once established, and some may appreciate a light trim to encourage denser growth.

Enhance Your Garden’s Ecosystem

Incorporating New Zealand native ground cover plants in your landscape not only creates a stunning effect, but also supports native wildlife and promotes a healthy, resilient garden. Whether you choose prostrate shrubs, sprawling vines, or textured mats, these plants deliver low-maintenance solutions and sustainable beauty.

Explore our selection of native ground covers and transform your outdoor spaces with authentic New Zealand charm.

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.

new zealand native ground cover plants

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose New Zealand Native Ground Cover Plants?

Top New Zealand Native Ground Covers