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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: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical
Metrosideros 'Moonlight' green and yellow variegated foliage.

Metrosideros 'Moonlight'

Metrosideros ‘Moonlight’ is an elegant New Zealand native pohutukawa selection admired for its creamy white flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. Flowering through the warmer months, it offers a softer alternative to traditional red flowering varieties while still providing strong coastal character.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Coastal, Formal, Japanese, Native
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...

From$323.65
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
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...

From$30.29
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Leptospermum 'Wiri Linda'

Leptospermum 'Wiri Linda' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of colourful flowers through spring and summer. This...

From$27.53
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Six months controlled release fertiliser

Controlled release fertilisers are specifically designed to release nutrients over a designated time period under NZ conditions and are widely used...

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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...

From$12.95
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$22.95
Leptospermum Nanum Ruru shrub with dark pink flowers.
Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru'

Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru' is a compact NZ native shrub valued for its dense evergreen foliage, tidy rounded form, and masses of small flowers that...

From$27.53
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...

From$9.95
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
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Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is a graceful, fast growing palm known for its arching fronds and tropical appearance. This elegant tree adds...

From$202.44
Feijoa 'Anatoki' fruit on a tree.
Feijoa 'Anatoki'

Feijoa 'Anatoki' is an early-season feijoa variety known for its reliable crops and flavourful, aromatic fruit. It’s a vigorous grower with dense...

From$35.81
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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Buxus microphylla 'Independence'

Buxus microphylla 'Independence' is a superb compact box hedge variety loved for its fine foliage and dense, tidy growth. This hardy evergreen shrub...

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A 'Fukumoto' Orange tree with orange fruit.
Orange 'Fukumoto'

How to grow Orange ‘Fukumoto’ in NZ

From$329.95
Buddleia fallowiana 'Lochinch' purple flower cluster amidst lush grey foliage.
Buddleia 'Lochinch'

Buddleia ‘Lochinch’ (Butterfly Bush) is a fast growing deciduous shrub admired for its long sprays of soft lavender blue flowers and silvery green...

From$26.15
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
Feijoa 'Golden Goose' fruit.
Feijoa 'Golden Goose'

Feijoa 'Golden Goose' is a vigorous, mid-season fruiting variety known for producing large, aromatic fruit with excellent flavour. It’s ideal for...

From$270.40
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

From$23.39
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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...

From$39.95
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
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...

From$17.95
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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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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
cupressus-ovensii-3
Cupressus ovensii

Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient...

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Leptospermum 'Martini' pink flower with green foliage.
Leptospermum 'Martini'

Leptospermum 'Martini' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of pink flowers with red centres that bloom from spring through...

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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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Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium 'Veneer' is a striking NZ flax known for its upright, sword like leaves with rich bronze and green tones. This hardy evergreen adds bold...

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Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Helleborus, Leptospermum, and Libocedrus, or related Categories - Fertilisers, Palm Trees, and Perennials.

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 Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Camellia 'Takanini', Nandina 'Firepower', and Delosperma 'Sandgem White'.
–The Plant Company

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