nz native plants for dry shade
Finding beautiful, resilient NZ native plants for dry shade can be a challenge, but there are many outstanding options perfect for Kiwi gardens. If you’re dealing with shady areas under large trees, shady south-facing walls, or dry banks, you don’t have to settle for bare soil. With the right selection of natives, you can create lush, low-maintenance pockets of greenery where other plants struggle to thrive. These well-adapted species not only bring year-round interest and structure, but also support local biodiversity, providing food and shelter for native birds and insects.
Carex solandri
Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and graceful arch as it expands. Dark brown seed heads in summer add an interesting element to this plant, which grows to 70 cm tall and the same width. Carex solandri is commonly added to woodland plantings, planted in shaded areas of the garden, grown around pond or stream areas, included in mixed plantings or borders, or mass-planted either on a bank or as a ground cover.
From $13.43
Pseudowintera colorata
Pseudowintera colorata, commonly known as Mountain Horopito, is a NZ native shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth has dominant red tones and ages to become green-yellow with a red edge. Small, yellow-green flowers complement the foliage in spring and result in small, dark fruit. This evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. Pseudowintera colorata is commonly included in a mixed planting, trimmed into a hedge, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, planted around the pool or barbecue area, or mass planted for a stunning display.
From $24.23
