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nz native bush plants

New Zealand’s lush native bush is renowned for its unique diversity, rich textures, and vibrant greenery. If you’re searching for nz native bush plants to create a beautiful, natural garden setting, you’ve come to the right place. Incorporating native bush plants not only celebrates our country’s ecological heritage but also supports local wildlife, protects against erosion, and offers hardy, low-maintenance landscaping solutions for Kiwi gardeners. Whether you’re restoring a patch of native forest, designing an eco-friendly garden, or simply seeking to enjoy the beauty and resilience of NZ flora, choosing authentic bush plants is a truly rewarding experience.

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.

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
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 appear through spring and summer. This hardy manuka variety is perfect for adding texture, colour, and native character to gardens while remaining low maintenance and easy to grow.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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
Corokia contoneaster shrub.
Corokia cotoneaster

Corokia cotoneaster, commonly known as the Wire-Netting Bush, features tough, dark stems that give the plant an appearance akin to wire mesh. This NZ...

From$17.95
Large Muehlenbeckia astonii shrub in a garden.
Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi)

Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as the Wiggy Wig Bush or Shrubby Tororaro, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its...

From$20.63
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus Kaka King

Clianthus 'Kaka King' is a striking NZ native shrub valued for its bold clusters of rich red flowers, graceful foliage, and strong garden presence...

From$116.12
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
clianthus-puniceus-
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
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$99.95
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
A Teucrium fruticans rounded shrub with grey foliage and blue flowers.
Teucrium fruticans

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive silvery foliage and soft blue flowers that appear through...

From$18.95
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
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
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$16.95
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
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
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
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
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
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
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
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
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
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
A fabulous Convolvulus cneorum plant with grey foliage and masses of white flowers.
Convolvulus cneorum

Convolvulus cneorum Silver Bush is a striking compact shrub valued for its silvery foliage and masses of bright white funnel shaped flowers. This sun...

From$20.63
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
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Clianthus, Coprosma, and Corokia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search nz native bush plants

Why Choose NZ Native Bush Plants

Native bush plants are specifically adapted to New Zealand’s climate, soils, and conditions. This makes them more resilient to pests and diseases, reduces gardening maintenance, and ensures your garden thrives year-round. These bush plants offer a range of benefits, including improving biodiversity, providing habitat for native birds and insects, and enhancing the natural beauty of your outdoor space. Many NZ native bush plants also play important roles in traditional Māori medicine and environmental conservation. By planting native species, you become part of a community of gardeners dedicated to restoring and sustaining our iconic bush.

Popular NZ Native Bush Plants

Some of the most beloved nz native bush plants include hardy shrubs, groundcovers, and foliage stars that easily fit into both large spaces and urban gardens. Varieties like pōhutukawa, mānuka, and kanuka are classic foundation plants, while species such as Coprosma are perfect for hedging, borders, and lush filler foliage.

For an attractive, glossy option, consider Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant). This evergreen bush boasts striking, reflective leaves and is ideal for coastal gardens and shelterbelts. Another excellent groundcover choice is Coprosma Green Rocks (Mirror Bush), with compact growth and vibrant color that brightens shaded spots.

If you’re looking for eye-catching colour, Coprosma Scarlett O'Hara (Mirror Bush) brings deep red foliage that creates a stunning contrast against green backdrops. For a mix of hues, Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise' (Mirror Bush) offers variegated leaves and year-round interest.

While not native, Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) is often used alongside NZ native bush plants for mixed plantings, thanks to its silvery foliage and drought resistance.

Planting and Caring for NZ Native Bush Plants

NZ native bush plants generally prefer well-drained soil, moderate sunlight, and some protection from harsh winds. When planting, think about the natural layers of bush ecosystems: start with taller forest trees, then fill in with medium shrubs, groundcovers, and edge plants. Mulching will help maintain moisture and suppress weeds, while watering is typically only needed during prolonged dry spells.

Regularly prune shrubs like Coprosma to encourage dense growth and maintain their shape. Try pairing different native bush plants to create a layered, bush-like effect that attracts native birds and pollinators to your garden.

Shop NZ Native Bush Plants

Ready to bring the lush beauty of native NZ bush into your outdoor space? Browse our selection of premium plants, including Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant), Coprosma Green Rocks (Mirror Bush), Coprosma Scarlett O'Hara (Mirror Bush), and Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise' (Mirror Bush). Create a thriving, sustainable Kiwi garden with nz native bush plants that will delight and inspire for years 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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
It’s easy to fall for Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika', but Chaenomeles 'Orange Storm', Tilia europaea, and Magnolia stellata offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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