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nz native wetland plants

New Zealand’s diverse wetlands are home to a remarkable range of unique and hardy plants, perfectly adapted to moist soils, fluctuating water levels, and varying sunlight conditions. If you’re restoring a wetland, landscaping around a pond, or battling erosion on a stream bank, selecting the right nz native wetland plants makes all the difference. These species not only support local biodiversity but also help filter water, provide habitat for wildlife, and add beauty to your outdoor spaces. From grasses with intricate root systems to shrubs that thrive in muddy soils, our nursery offers a curated selection ready for your next project.

Baumea articulata (Jointed Twig Rush) with upright, green foliage, growing in water.

Baumea articulata

5 from 2 customers

Baumea articulata, commonly known as the Jointed Twig Rush, is an attractive, NZ native grass grown for its aesthetics and ability to handle and colonise extremely wet soils. It forms a dense sward as it grows to 1.5 m tall, which provides an excellent habitat for frogs and water birds. New leaves emerge light green, then age to dark green, and are complemented by brown flower heads throughout the summer. Baumea articulata will happily grow in fresh, standing water (e.g., dams, swamps, creeks, and drainage areas) up to 1 m deep. This is a favoured plant among landscape designers constructing wetland areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex virgata

5 from 3 customers

Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that thrives in wetlands, damp soils, and along waterways. It forms dense clumps of upright green foliage, making it excellent for stabilising soil and providing habitat for wildlife. With its resilience, low maintenance needs, and ecological value, Swamp Sedge is widely used in riparian planting, restoration projects, and naturalistic NZ gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.13
A large Plagianthus divaricatus shrub with fine, green foliage.

Plagianthus divaricatus (Marsh Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus divaricatus, commonly known as Marsh Ribbonwood or Makaka, is a hardy New Zealand native shrub ideal for coastal and wetland restoration...

From$24.23

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$24.23
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.

Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.13
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.51
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.

Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$15.53
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.

Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$13.43
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.48
Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.

Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage...

From$15.53
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.

Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$16.13
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.

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...

From$13.43
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani plants growing in water.

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Soft-Stem Bullrush)

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, commonly known as Softstem Bulrush, is a tall, upright aquatic plant valued for its slender blue-green stems and...

From$15.53
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
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$20.18
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
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
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
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
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

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
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
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
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
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
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
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
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
A strong and studry planting spade.

Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$158.00
Baumea articulata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Baumea, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Cyperus, Dacrycarpus, Duranta, Ficinia, Helichrysum, Juncus, Kniphofia, Laurelia, Leonotis, Perovskia, Plagianthus, Schoenoplectus, Sedum, Sorbus Stromanthe and Typha, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Spades, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search nz native wetland plants

Why Choose NZ Native Wetland Plants?

Wetlands are a vital ecosystem in New Zealand, but they’ve been under threat from development and invasive species. Using nz native wetland plants is key to restoring these areas and maintaining ecological balance. These plants have evolved to tolerate wet conditions, periodic flooding, and even salty soils in coastal wetlands. Their extensive root systems stabilise banks, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by trapping silt and absorbing nutrients. Whether you’re starting a large-scale restoration or a small backyard pond, native wetland plants provide aesthetic appeal and critical environmental benefits.

Popular NZ Native Wetland Plant Choices

If you’re searching for dependable species, consider these well-loved options:

NZ Native Wetland Plant Uses

Native wetland plants are essential for creating healthy, sustainable landscapes in both rural and urban settings. Use them for:

By choosing nz native wetland plants, you not only help preserve New Zealand’s threatened ecosystems but also invest in the beauty and resilience of your property.

Planting and Maintenance Tips

When planting wetland areas, focus on layered combinations for maximum biodiversity and visual interest. Space grasses and rushes closely for rapid coverage, and mix with shrubs like Plagianthus divaricatus (Marsh Ribbonwood) or trees such as Laurelia novae-zelandiae where size allows. Initial watering and occasional weeding are typically required until the natives establish robust root systems. Once established, many nz native wetland plants thrive with little ongoing maintenance.

Ready to revitalise your wet areas? Explore our wide selection of quality nz native wetland plants for professional and DIY projects alike.


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.

It’s easy to pick Ficus Tuffi and Photinia 'Red Robin', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree), Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, and Hebe Wairua Beauty.
–The Plant Company

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