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nz native palm trees

If you're searching for stunning, low-maintenance foliage that brings a true sense of Aotearoa to your garden, nothing compares to NZ native palm trees. These iconic trees offer lush green fronds, impressive vertical structure, and an unmistakable kiwi vibe. Whether you're planning a subtropical oasis, seeking shelter trees for coastal exposure, or simply love the elegance that palms provide, incorporating NZ native palm trees into your landscape is a choice you won't regret.

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. It is essential for any subtropical garden or where an attractive specimen is desired.

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
Howea forsteriana palm tree in a garden.

Howea forsteriana

5 from 1 customers

Howea forsteriana, commonly known as the Kentia Palm, is a popular and elegant Palm tree. It has a thin, slender trunk that supports feathery, drooping fronds. The trunk is originally dark green but ages to a brownish hue. It is relatively slow-growing but will eventually reach 10 m tall and 6 m wide. Howea forsteriana is commonly grown as an indoor plant, used in tropical and pool gardens, planted around entranceways, grown as a specimen, or included in a mixed planting.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Palms
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in a luxurious garden.

Cycas revoluta

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It...

From$134.93
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.

Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$48.53
beaucarnea-recurvata-

Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is a distinctive ornamental plant admired for its swollen trunk base and long arching leaves. This unique plant...

From$70.13
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$329.63
syagrus-romanzoffiana-

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana, commonly known as Queen Palm, Cocos Palm, or Cocos plumosa, is a Palm Tree grown for its impressive form and foliage. Large...

From$210.73
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$343.89
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$24.23
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$457.29
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$358.98
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$358.98
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02

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$24.23
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
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$299.92
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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$18.83
sorbus-scarlet-king-

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...

From$343.89
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$28.28
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$299.92
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
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$457.29
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
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$26.93
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...

From$63.38
palm-tree-fertiliser-1

Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
Rhopalostylis sapida

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Beaucarnea, Carpodetus, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Cordyline, Crassula, Cycas, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Hoheria, Howea, Knightia, Laurelia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Prumnopitys, Rhopalostylis, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus, Syagrus Trachycarpus and Vitex, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, Cycad, Palm Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search nz native palm trees

What Are NZ Native Palm Trees?

NZ native palm trees bring unique character to New Zealand gardens, blending beautifully with both modern and naturalistic landscapes. The most renowned native palm is Rhopalostylis sapida, also called the Nikau palm. The Nikau stands as the only palm species naturally occurring in New Zealand, instantly recognised by its smooth, ringed trunk and graceful arching fronds. It thrives in coastal and forested regions, making it a resilient pick for gardens across the country. When choosing NZ native palm trees, Rhopalostylis sapida remains the favourite for its authentic New Zealand presence and adaptability.

Growing NZ Native Palms

Planting NZ native palm trees is a simple way to add structure, shade, and year-round greenery. Nikau palms prefer well-drained, moist soil with a layer of mulch to keep their roots happy. Although tolerant to brief dry spells, young Nikau palms appreciate regular watering, especially in drier regions. With a slow to moderate growth rate, they eventually reach heights of 6–10 metres, providing excellent architectural flair beneath the canopy of larger natives or as striking standalone specimens. Choose a sheltered spot away from harsh wind and frost for best results with Nikau palms in your garden.

Popular Palms for New Zealand Gardens

While NZ native palm trees like the Nikau take pride of place, combining them with exotic palms brings extra texture and drama. For variety and even more bold foliage, consider these popular species:

Add NZ Native Palm Trees To Your Landscape

Whether you're designing a natural retreat or a modern tropical paradise, NZ native palm trees like Rhopalostylis sapida provide enduring beauty and an iconic sense of place. Pair with hardy companion plants and contrasting foliage, and let palms be a natural statement in your home or garden. Explore our full range of palms and discover how easy it is to bring NZ native palm trees to life in your landscape.


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