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nz native plants for shaded areas

Looking to transform your shady garden corners with lush, local greenery? New Zealand offers a remarkable selection of native plants perfectly suited for shaded areas. Whether your garden is nestled beneath towering trees, beside a building, or in a quiet woodland spot, these NZ natives thrive where sunlight is minimal. Not only do they bring texture and vitality to dim spots, but they also provide habitat for local wildlife and help maintain healthy soils. You’ll discover a variety of shade-loving foliage, striking colours, and even edible options among New Zealand’s native flora, making them ideal for gardens seeking both beauty and ecological balance.

Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

5 from 2 customers

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in colour from blue, white, to deep purple. They are held amidst the strap-like, glossy green leaves. Dianella nigra typically grows to 40 cm tall and 50 cm wide, and is commonly included in a mixed planting or border, used in cottage gardens, or mass planted either on a bank or as a groundcover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Blechnum discolor (Crown Ferns) in a native garden.

Blechnum discolor

5 from 3 customers

Blechnum discolor (Crown Fern) is a hardy NZ native fern admired for its upright fronds, tidy crown forming habit, and lush evergreen presence. It thrives in shaded and semi shaded gardens where it adds natural texture and structure. Ideal for woodland plantings, native landscapes, and underplanting trees, Blechnum discolor brings year round beauty while maintaining a compact and easily managed form that suits both home gardens and large plantings.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Ferns
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Woodland
Large Macropiper excelsum plant
Macropiper excelsum

Macropiper excelsum, commonly known as Kawakawa, is renowned for its heart-shaped, dark green leaves which are aromatic when crushed. This evergreen...

From$22.88
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$18.23
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$13.43
Pseudowintera colorata colourful foliage.
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...

From$24.23
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$15.86
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$25.58
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$20.18
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.
Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$299.92
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus Kaka King (Kaka King Clianthus)

Clianthus Kaka King, commonly known as The Red Kaka Beak, is a NZ native shrub that produces a flush of stunning, beak like flowers in summer. The...

From$169.98
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
bergenia-cordifolia-3
Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$33.68
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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...

From$22.88
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.
Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$21.53
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$20.93
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.13
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$43.13
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
aechmea-fasciata-
Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-
Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$420.00
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.
Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
sansevieria-hahnii-
Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$720.00
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$360.00
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Arthropodium, Bergenia, Blechnum, Carex, Carpodetus, Chlorophytum, Clianthus, Coprosma, Dianella, Fuchsia, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Libertia, Macropiper, Mint, Monstera, Pimelea, Portulaca, Pseudopanax, Pseudowintera, Sansevieria, Sedum, Sorbus Strelitzia and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Ground Fern, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search nz native plants for shaded areas

Why Choose NZ Native Plants for Shaded Areas?

NZ native plants for shaded areas are naturally adapted to the unique conditions of our forests and bush. Planting natives in your shaded spots means you’ll enjoy low-maintenance greenery that’s resilient, eco-friendly, and supports biodiversity. These species are less likely to be troubled by pests and diseases, especially compared to exotic varieties, and often require less watering and care once established.

Top NZ Native Plants for Shaded Areas

Here’s a selection of standout natives to brighten sheltered parts of your garden:

Carex solandri

This elegant native grass forms a dense, arching clump, perfect for underplanting or lining shaded paths. [Carex solandri] thrives in low light, tolerates damp soils, and adds gentle movement to sheltered spaces.

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Beneath forest canopies, the slender foliage of [Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)] provides handsome texture year-round. This hardy perennial offers edible berries, making it a fabulous choice for shaded edible gardens.

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

For groundcovers, [Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)] is superb. Its vivid creeping foliage and cheerful, tubular flowers light up shaded patches, attracting birds and pollinators while filling gaps between larger plants.

Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

The robust [Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)] brings lush, bright foliage and graceful white flowers to dim corners. Traditionally grown in Maori gardens, this lily tolerates dry shade and thrives beneath trees and shrubs.

Pseudowintera colorata

Looking for striking foliage? [Pseudowintera colorata], also known as pepper tree or horopito, features bold, mottled leaves in sun-dappled zones. Useful as a low shrub, it gives colour and structure in shady beds.

How to Create a Shade Garden with NZ Natives

Start by assessing your garden’s shaded areas—consider how much light they receive throughout the day. Combine different plant types like grasses, groundcovers, lilies, and small shrubs for layered interest and year-round appeal. Mulch well to support moist, healthy soil, and avoid overwatering—most NZ native plants for shaded areas thrive with minimal fuss. By planting natives, you’ll create a serene, sustainable garden that feels truly connected to Aotearoa.

Ready to transform your shaded spots? Explore our full range and bring native beauty to every corner of your 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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