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nz native hibiscus

If you’re searching for a unique and resilient addition to your New Zealand garden, the NZ native hibiscus stands out as a captivating choice. Celebrated for its delicate beauty and remarkable adaptability, NZ native hibiscus varieties bring a touch of the wild to any landscape. These native beauties are not only cherished for their attractive blooms but also for their ecological importance, providing habitat and food sources for native pollinators. Whether you’re an avid native plant enthusiast or simply seeking something special to grace your garden, NZ native hibiscus holds endless appeal.

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Hibiscus syriacus 'Coelestis'

5 from 2 customers

Hibiscus syriacus 'Coelestis' is a hardy deciduous hibiscus prized for its soft blue lavender blooms with a contrasting deep red centre. Flowering from mid to late summer, it adds vibrant seasonal colour when many other shrubs have finished.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Hibiscus 'Red Knight' large and showy, red flower.

Hibiscus 'Red Knight'

Hibiscus 'Red Knight' is a striking flowering shrub prized for its large deep red blooms and lush glossy foliage. This tropical style hibiscus performs very well in New Zealand gardens when planted in warm sheltered positions. It is ideal for gardeners wanting bold colour and an exotic feel through the warmer months.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Hibiscus 'Red Heart' white flower with a red centre.
Hibiscus 'Red Heart'

Hibiscus 'Red Heart' is a stunning flowering shrub admired for its large white blooms highlighted by a bold deep red centre. This eye catching...

From$19.95
hibiscus-syriacus-snowdrift--1
Hibiscus 'Snowdrift'

Hibiscus 'Snowdrift' is a beautiful deciduous shrub known for its large pure white blooms that create a fresh and elegant display through summer and...

From$19.95
hibiscus-syriacus-blushing-bride--1
Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride'

Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride' is a beautiful flowering shrub that brings soft romantic colour to New Zealand gardens. Its elegant blooms display delicate...

From$19.95
hibiscus-syriacus-heidi-1
Hibiscus 'Heidi'

Hibiscus 'Heidi' is a vibrant flowering shrub that brings rich colour and tropical flair to New Zealand gardens. Its large showy blooms stand out...

From$19.95
hibiscus-syriacus-jeanne-d-arc-
Hibiscus 'Jeanne D Arc'

Hibiscus 'Jeanne d'Arc' is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its large pure white double blooms that bring elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$19.95
An elegant Hibiscus 'Psyche' red flower.
Hibiscus 'Psyche'

Hibiscus 'Psyche' features pretty flowers through summer and autumn. The flowers are bright red and are held upright on slender branches above the...

From$19.95
Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.
Sophora prostrata

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers...

From$26.15
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
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
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
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
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
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
Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.
Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Sophora 'Dragons Gold' is a highly ornamental NZ native shrub renowned for its early and vibrant golden yellow flowers. Blooming in late winter and...

From$26.15
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$323.65
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
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
Lush green foliage on Tecomanthe speciosa.
Tecomanthe speciosa

Tecomanthe speciosa, commonly known as the Three Kings Climber, is a NZ native vine grown for its foliage and flowers. It features large, glossy...

From$44.09
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 Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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 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$11.95
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
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

From$27.53
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...

From$589.90
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
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...

From$30.29
Hibiscus syriacus 'Coelestis'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hibiscus, and Sophora, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search nz native hibiscus

An Introduction to NZ Native Hibiscus

The term “NZ native hibiscus” generally refers to two main species: Hibiscus richardsonii (Native Hibiscus) and Hibiscus diversifolius. Both are true hibiscus species indigenous to Aotearoa, valued for their soft yellow or creamy-white flowers, dark green foliage, and ability to thrive across a range of local habitats.

Hibiscus richardsonii (Native Hibiscus)

Hibiscus richardsonii (Native Hibiscus) is perhaps the best known NZ native hibiscus species. This rare and fascinating shrub produces beautiful pale blooms with a maroon centre, flowering from spring into autumn. It’s found naturally in coastal and lowland areas, where it prefers full sun, good drainage, and protection from heavy frosts. For gardeners passionate about native collections and supporting biodiversity, Hibiscus richardsonii (Native Hibiscus) is a must-have addition.

Hibiscus diversifolius

Another notable NZ native hibiscus is Hibiscus diversifolius, known for its hardy, shrubby growth and distinctive prickly stems. This species thrives in open sites and along waterway margins, where its pale yellow hibiscus flowers can be enjoyed by passersby and pollinators alike. Its resilience makes it a great option for re-vegetation projects or for gardeners in exposed, wild locations.

NZ Native Hibiscus in the Garden

Planting NZ native hibiscus is a wonderful way to connect your landscape to Aotearoa’s natural heritage. These shrubs are well suited to mixed native borders, coastal gardens, restoration projects, and informal hedging. For best results, choose a sunny location with free-draining soil, and provide some shelter from strong winds. Both Hibiscus richardsonii (Native Hibiscus) and Hibiscus diversifolius benefit from regular mulching and annual feeding with organic compost.

Explore Exotic Hibiscus Relatives

If you’re drawn to the charm of hibiscus but want to explore more options, consider the wider family. For large, tropical blooms in bold colours, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus 'Red Knight', and Hibiscus 'Red Heart' offer stunning choices for warm, sheltered spots. Pairing these showy exotics with NZ native hibiscus can create an enchanting garden full of texture, colour, and native wildlife.

By choosing NZ native hibiscus, you’re making a positive contribution to New Zealand’s unique biodiversity while enjoying a graceful and low-maintenance plant that will reward you year after year. Discover the beauty and resilience of NZ native hibiscus for your own garden.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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