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nikau nz

If you’re searching for “nikau nz”, you likely have a love for New Zealand’s only native palm. The nikau palm (Rhopalostylis sapida) is an iconic feature of Aotearoa’s coastal and lowland forests, instantly recognisable by its feathery green fronds, slender trunk, and tropical look. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden’s native biodiversity or create a lush, subtropical atmosphere, nikau palms are a sought-after choice for garden enthusiasts throughout NZ.

Rhopalostylis sapida palms growing as a cluster.

Rhopalostylis sapida

Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a fast-growing and beautiful Palm tree. From a central trunk, it produces large and broad fronds with a gentle arch. They are dark green, handsome, and enable this NZ native to grow to about 10 m tall with a spread of 6 m. Rhopalostylis sapida is highly sought after and very popular.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 12.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Modern, Native, Tropical
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

5 from 2 customers

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers that bloom in early summer. Growing up to 20 metres tall, it features gnarled branches and leathery, silver-green leaves.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 11.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Native
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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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...

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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...

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A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

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A Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava) plant with small green leaves and red berries.
Myrtus ugni

Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava, New Zealand Cranberry) is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage, delicate white flowers, and sweet...

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The best lawn fertiliser in NZ with moss killer.
Lawn Fertiliser

Achieve a vibrant, healthy lawn with our premium Lawn Fertiliser, specially formulated for New Zealand conditions. This fertiliser not only...

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Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

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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...

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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...

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A stunning Fuchsia 'Pacquesa' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Fuchsia 'Pacquesa'

Fuchsia 'Pacquesa' is a beautiful, free flowering shrub known for its elegant pendant blooms in soft pink and purple tones. This hardy plant thrives...

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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...

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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...

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Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise)

Strelitzia reginae (Crane Flower, Bird Of Paradise) is an iconic tropical plant known for its bold orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in...

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Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)

Castanospermum australe adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. It produces lush, green foilage off upright stems. Clusters of red, peal like...

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Grevillea 'Eureka'

Grevillea 'Eureka' adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. Its drought tolerance and ability to withstand coastal conditions ensure it remains a...

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Epipremnum 'Golden Queen'

Epipremnum 'Golden Queen' adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. This variety stands out for its vibrant colouring and adaptability to a wide...

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Strelitzia nicolai

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

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Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

Rubus pentalobus is a hardy, low growing groundcover known for its attractive textured foliage, small white flowers, and bright red berries. This...

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Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

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Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
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Fuchsia 'Patio Princess'

Fuchsia 'Patio Princess' is a compact, free flowering variety bred for containers and small garden spaces. It produces elegant pendant blooms in soft...

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Grape 'Steubens'

Grape 'Steubens' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine produces...

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Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck'

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its dense, bright green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant is well...

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Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

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Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Phormium 'Surfer'

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Syngonium White Butterfly plants with elegant green foliage.
Syngonium 'White Butterfly'

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Hydrangea 'Blue Wave'

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Plum 'Billington'

Plum 'Billington' adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. This medium sized plum tree grows 3-4 metres tall with a sturdy branching habit. It...

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Ginkgo Ming Princess small tree.
Ginkgo 'Ming Princess'

Ginkgo 'Ming Princess' is a compact, ornamental form of the ancient ginkgo tree, valued for its fan shaped leaves and brilliant golden yellow autumn...

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Olive 'Frantoio'

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Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dysoxylum, Libocedrus, and Metrosideros, or related Categories - Plant pots, Fertiliser, and Grasses.

Search nikau nz

What Makes the Nikau Palm Unique

The nikau is not just any palm—it’s part of our botanical heritage. It thrives particularly well in the North Island and the milder parts of the South Island, bringing a distinctively New Zealand feel to gardens both large and small. Tolerant of shade, wind, and coastal conditions, nikau palms are surprisingly versatile for landscaping projects around the country. Their slow growth habit means they fit well in both urban and rural gardens, offering a lush evergreen backdrop without overwhelming your space.

Best Varieties of Nikau NZ for Your Garden

While the classic Rhopalostylis sapida is highly sought after, gardeners are often surprised to discover several distinct local and regional forms. For example, the Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau) is native to the remote Chatham Islands and features broader leaflets and a hardier disposition, making it ideal for exposed or coastal gardens. The Rhopalostylis sapida Great Barrier (Nikau Palm Tree) hails from Great Barrier Island, and is prized for its robust growth and adaptability.

Discover More Rhopalostylis Species

If you love nikau palms, there’s much more to explore within the Rhopalostylis genus. The Rhopalostylis baueri Norfolk Island (Rhopalostylis Norfolk Island) offers a stunning palm option for those looking to diversify their plantings with a close relative of the NZ nikau. Likewise, Rhopalostylis chathamica Pitti (Rhopalostylis) is another captivating choice, with subtle differences that make it a collector’s favourite. Each species within the genus shares the eye-catching beauty and resilience that gardeners value. You can also choose the classic Rhopalostylis sapida for a true native statement piece that encapsulates the essence of nikau nz.

Garden Uses and Growing Tips

Nikau palms excel as statement specimens, lining driveways, accenting corners, or mass-planted under canopies for a true NZ forest vibe. They thrive with shelter from harsh frost and reward patient gardeners with elegant form and texture year-round. For best results, plant nikau in rich, free-draining soil and mulch well to retain moisture. Regular watering in dry months, especially during establishment, helps ensure vigorous growth.

If you want to add authentic, native flair to your landscape, nikau palms are a perfect choice. Discover our exceptional range and bring a piece of wild New Zealand to your own garden.

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.
Start your garden with Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra 'Lime Tuff', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut), Prunus campanulata 'Superba', and Genista 'Yellow Imp'.
–The Plant Company

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