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

Looking to create a thriving native garden in the Wellington region? Discover NZ native plants Wellington gardeners love for their resilience, low maintenance needs, and beauty in wind-swept coastal and hillside environments. Here’s your guide to selecting the best native plants for Wellington’s unique microclimates, along with top recommendations from our collection.

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 metres tall and 2 metres wide, it thrives in coastal conditions, tolerating salt spray and wind. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a backdrop in native plantings, Coprosma repens adds year-round interest with its shiny leaves and low-maintenance nature.

Buy Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

From $20.18

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

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

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, blue foliage which becomes adorned with fragrant, white flowers in spring and results in white berries. This evergreen typically grows to 10 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is commonly used as a groundcover, added to coastal plantings, included in rock gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, grown on a bank, or positioned so it can spill out over a path or over a wall.

Buy Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

From $24.98

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Why Choose NZ Native Plants in Wellington?

NZ native plants are perfectly adapted to Wellington’s conditions—windy hills, salt-laden air, and sometimes erratic rain. By choosing natives for your Wellington garden, you’ll enjoy plants that demand less watering, naturally resist common pests and diseases, and provide essential habitat for local birds and insects. These plants offer year-round beauty, with diverse forms from lush groundcovers to striking shrubs.

Top Recommendations for Wellington Gardens

Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze'

For striking foliage and bold contrast in your garden beds, consider Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze'. This resilient shrub features attractive copper-bronze leaves that thrive even in exposed Wellington sites.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Bring year-round interest and a neat groundcover with Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'. Known for its attractive silver-blue foliage and small white flowers, this native is ideal for rockeries, garden edges, and erosion control—making it a smart pick for Wellington’s sloped gardens.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

If your site is particularly windswept or coastal, hardy Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant) is an excellent choice. Its glossy, salt-tolerant leaves cope well with Wellington’s climate, forming attractive hedges or fill-ins for exposed areas.

Coprosma kirkii

Low-growing Coprosma kirkii forms a dense, evergreen mat perfect for weed suppression and bank planting. Its subtle foliage tones are a versatile backdrop for other NZ natives or as a lawn alternative that withstands Wellington’s elements.

Carpodetus serratus prostrata

Add textural interest to shaded or sloping spots with Carpodetus serratus prostrata. This trailing form of the beloved Putaputawētā has distinctive marbled leaves and is a wildlife magnet, supporting native insects and birds.

Expert Planting Tips for Wellington Gardens

Choose wind-resistant species: Focus on tough, flexible natives that handle Wellington’s famous gusts.
Prepare your soil: Many NZ native plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soils—add compost and mulch to lock in moisture.
Create layers for visual impact: Combine groundcovers, mid-story shrubs, and small trees to mimic natural bush structure and provide shelter for wildlife.
Water wisely: Establish young plants with regular watering, then let their natural drought-tolerance shine.

By focusing on nz native plants Wellington gardeners recommend, you’ll build a sustainable landscape that stays beautiful through all seasons. Explore our full range of native plants to find more inspiration for your Wellington garden.

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.