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nz native daphne

Gardeners searching for the elusive "NZ native daphne" are often drawn to the unique world of Aotearoa’s native flora and its lookalikes. While true Daphne species are not native to New Zealand, the plant most commonly referred to as “NZ native daphne” is actually Pimelea prostrata, a beautiful, low-growing shrub found along New Zealand’s coastal regions. This hardy and attractive groundcover boasts dainty clusters of white or pale pink flowers and silver-green foliage, making it a popular choice for native and coastal gardens. If you’re looking for the classic daphne fragrance with a native twist, or want to compare traditional Daphnes to our local gems, this guide is for you.

Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.

Sophora prostrata

5 from 1 customers

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers. This compact kōwhai variety is admired for its quirky structure and fine foliage, making it a striking feature in NZ gardens. It attracts native birds, especially tūī and bellbirds, and adds character to mixed plantings. Hardy and easy to grow, Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a wonderful choice for both modern landscapes and traditional native gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Daphne 'Perfume Princess' pink flowers and green foliage.

Daphne 'Perfume Princess'

5 from 4 customers

Daphne 'Perfume Princess' is an outstanding evergreen shrub celebrated for its masses of exceptionally fragrant white flowers with soft pink buds from winter through spring. Flowering on both old and new wood, it delivers an extended display of colour and perfume. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, this compact shrub is perfect for bringing fragrance and elegance to outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
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Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

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Carpodetus serratus

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

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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...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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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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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...

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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...

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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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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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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...

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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...

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Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

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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...

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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$11.95
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...

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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...

From$11.95
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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Kunzea ericoides (Kanuka) shrub in full flower.
Kunzea ericoides

Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance...

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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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fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne genkwa purple flowers.
Daphne genkwa

Daphne genkwa (Blue Daphne) is a deciduous shrub admired for its masses of fragrant lavender blue flowers that appear on bare stems during late...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne 'Carol Mackie' plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne 'Carol Mackie'

Daphne 'Carol Mackie' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its highly fragrant pink flowers and beautifully variegated green and cream foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata)

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is a beautiful evergreen shrub treasured for its intensely fragrant pink and white flowers and glossy green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne odora 'Cameo' pink flowers with green foliage.
Daphne odora 'Cameo'

Daphne odora 'Cameo' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant pink flowers and attractive variegated foliage. Flowering from...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne gnidium plant with green leaves, white flowers, and orange berries.
Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne)

Daphne gnidium is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine foliage, masses of fragrant white flowers, and colourful berries that provide...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' plant with green leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne 'Jacqueline Postill'

Daphne 'Jacqueline Postill' is a highly sought after evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant pink flowers that appear from winter into...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne odora 'Rubra' flowers and foliage.
Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne)

Daphne odora 'Rubra' is a highly prized evergreen shrub renowned for its intensely fragrant deep pink flowers that open from richly coloured buds...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora prostrata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carpodetus, Daphne, and Leptospermum, or related Categories - Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search nz native daphne

What is NZ Native Daphne (Pimelea prostrata)?

"NZ native daphne" is the informal name often given to Pimelea prostrata, a resilient and versatile New Zealand groundcover plant. Pimelea prostrata forms a tidy mat of foliage that thrives in poor soils, making it ideal for tricky or windswept garden conditions. It flowers from late spring to summer, attracting native pollinators and adding delicate beauty to your outdoor space. For gardeners seeking a reliable native groundcover, Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is a standout cultivar, prized for its compact habit and lush silver leaves.

How Does NZ Native Daphne Compare to True Daphne?

While Pimelea prostrata is sometimes called “daphne,” it’s actually in a different plant family to the famous Asian and European Daphne shrubs. True Daphnes are celebrated for their intoxicatingly fragrant winter flowers and glossy leaves. If you want to compare other Daphne options, these are some customer favourites in New Zealand gardens:

While these Daphnes are not native to New Zealand, they are readily grown here and provide months of beautiful fragrance and colour.

Planting and Caring for NZ Native Daphne

If you’re seeking a fuss-free native alternative to traditional daphne shrubs, Pimelea prostrata is an excellent choice. This groundcover prefers full sun or light shade and sandy, free-draining soils—perfect for coastal gardens or rocky outcrops. It is tolerant of wind, salt spray, and drought once established, making it a reliable performer in New Zealand landscapes. Water regularly during the first year, and trim lightly to maintain shape.

Ways to Use NZ Native Daphne in the Garden

Add NZ native daphne (Pimelea prostrata) to rockeries, borders, or as an attractive lawn edge. Its ability to hug the ground and suppress weeds makes it a smart addition for low-maintenance and eco-friendly gardens. It also complements other native species beautifully, reinforcing a true New Zealand plant palette.

In summary, “NZ native daphne” refers to the beautiful Pimelea prostrata—a plant every Kiwi gardener should consider for that perfect combination of resilience, subtle beauty, and local authenticity. Whether you’re a fan of true Daphnes or passionate about native species, exploring this special shrub will add interest and diversity to your space.


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Everyone knows classic varieties like Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff, but you might just fall in love with Camellia 'Paradise Gillian', Lomandra Misty Green, and Calamagrostis 'Overdam'.
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