Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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nz native plants to attract birds

Looking to fill your garden with birdlife? Choosing NZ native plants to attract birds is the perfect way to encourage tūī, korimako (bellbird), kererū, and many other lovely native species into your outdoor space. Our unique flora provides the essential nectar, berries, seeds, and shelter that New Zealand birds rely on for food and safety. Whether you have a small urban backyard or a sprawling rural block, adding the right mix of plants will make your garden a haven for birds.

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 and scented spring flowers that attract birds. Ideal for coastal, rural, and urban landscapes, this low-maintenance tree adds height, texture, and native charm to any garden.

Buy Cordyline australis

From $24.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 8.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark red flowers bloom across the tree in summer and are great for attracting birds. The flowers are complemented by long, narrow leaves that are mid-green and held densely on upright branches. This tree grows with a somewhat narrow habit, reaching approximately 30 m in height and 8 m in width. Knightia excelsa is commonly included in native revegetation projects, grown as a specimen in extensive gardens or parks, or planted to attract birds.

Buy Knightia excelsa

From $63.38

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 30.00 m

Spread: 8.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Coastal, Native

Why Choose NZ Native Plants for Birds?

Planting NZ native plants to attract birds supports the local ecosystem and helps native birds thrive year-round. Native species have evolved alongside New Zealand’s birdlife, offering perfectly timed food sources throughout the seasons. With the right selection, you’ll provide nectar in the leaner months, berries in late summer and autumn, and ideal nesting habitats throughout the year.

Top NZ Native Trees and Shrubs for Attracting Birds

Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa)

Knightia excelsa is renowned for its gorgeous, brush-like red flowers rich in nectar. Loved by tūī and korimako, this graceful tree flowers in spring and early summer, providing a reliable and showy food source for native nectar-feeding birds.

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)

The iconic Cordyline australis draws in birds year after year with clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers and summer seed heads. Kererū and other birds feed on both nectar and seeds, while the coarse foliage offers valuable shelter and nest sites.

Sophora chathamica and Sophora fulvida (Kōwhai)

Few sights are more uplifting than tūī feasting among the golden blooms of Sophora chathamica and Sophora fulvida. Kōwhai flowers early in spring when food is scarce, providing rich nectar for birds. The bright yellow flowers also light up your garden and attract beneficial pollinators.

Hedycarya arborea (Pigeonwood)

Pigeonwood is a kererū favourite, producing fleshy red fruit in autumn and winter. This small tree is ideal for mixed plantings and brings a natural forest understory feel, offering both food and shelter for a diversity of native birds.

Creating a Bird-Friendly NZ Native Garden

When planning your garden with NZ native plants to attract birds, aim for a variety of heights, flowering seasons, and food types. Mix canopy trees, shrubs, and ground covers to create layers and safe spaces for nesting and feeding. Avoid using pesticides, as many native birds eat insects and require a healthy invertebrate population.

By incorporating native plants like Knightia excelsa, Cordyline australis, Sophora chathamica, Hedycarya arborea, and Sophora fulvida, you’ll create a vibrant, living space that nurtures our precious native birds for generations to come.

Contact us

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.