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nz native trees for bees

Supporting our buzzing pollinators is vital for New Zealand’s ecosystems and gardens alike. Choosing the right NZ native trees for bees not only creates a welcoming habitat but also helps ensure more resilient fruiting, flowering, and flavour in your garden. Whether you’re a hobbyist beekeeper, native plant lover, or simply want a lush, low-maintenance landscape that benefits nature, adding bee-friendly trees is a winning strategy.

Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

5 from 1 customers

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form and profusion of white flowers. This deciduous to semi evergreen species produces masses of star shaped blooms in summer that attract bees and butterflies.

From $64.79

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian, White
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.

Kunzea robusta

5 from 1 customers

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and pollinators. This hardy plant thrives in a wide range of conditions and is ideal for shelter, revegetation, and feature planting.

From $8.97

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

From$23.39
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$30.29
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$270.40
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
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$270.40
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$16.49
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.77
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$323.65
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$298.09
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$589.90
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
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$23.39
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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$309.51
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$99.29
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

From$26.91
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
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$323.65
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
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$169.24
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
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$28.91
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Hoheria angustifolia

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Corynocarpus, and Hedycarya, or related Categories - Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search nz native trees for bees

Why Native Trees are Great for Bees

Native New Zealand trees have co-evolved with our unique species of bees, making them the ideal candidates for a pollinator-friendly landscape. These plants offer year-round forage, providing nectar, pollen, and protection when bees need it most—especially during times when exotic garden species might not be flowering. By planting NZ native trees for bees, you’re increasing biodiversity and contributing to a healthier, more productive environment.

Top NZ Native Trees for Bees

When selecting trees to attract and nourish bees, it’s important to think about staggered flowering times and a diversity of nectar and pollen types. Some of our favourite options include:

Kunzea robusta

A keystone species for native insects, Kunzea robusta bursts with masses of white flowers throughout late spring and summer. Its flexible flowering window provides bees with reliable energy sources for extended periods. Hardy and tolerant of various soil types, this fast-growing tree suits both urban gardens and rural properties.

Hoheria angustifolia

Known commonly as narrow-leaved lacebark, Hoheria angustifolia is prized for its generous displays of delicate white blossoms, which bees adore. With its upright, narrow growth habit, it’s ideal for smaller spaces or as a shelterbelt tree for productive gardens.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

No list of NZ native trees for bees would be complete without Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka). This iconic shrub or small tree is renowned for its profusion of nectar-rich flowers, supporting honeybees and native bees alike. Plus, planting manuka helps ensure excellent honey harvests, thanks to its medicinal properties.

Design Tips: Creating a Bee-Friendly Native Garden

Aim to plant a mix of species that provide food throughout the year. Group trees and shrubs together to make foraging easier for bees and reduce their energy expenditure. Incorporate understory plants that offer shelter and additional foraging, and avoid pesticide use to keep your bee population healthy.

Bonus: Introduce Other Biodiversity Boosters

While native trees are key, some exotic trees and shrubs—like Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree) and Lagunaria patersonia—can also be valuable additions, flowering at different times to fill any nectar gaps. Adding a mix of both natives and select exotics can amplify your supports for bees year-round.

Start Your Bee-Friendly Planting Today

With thoughtful selection and care, NZ native trees for bees can turn any property into a thriving pollinator paradise. Explore our full range of trees and shrubs to find the perfect combination for your space, and enjoy the beauty and buzz of a truly sustainable 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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Start your garden with Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea', Alstroemeria White Buttons (Peruvian Lily), and Helleborus 'White Picotee' (Hellebore).
–The Plant Company

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