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ornamental grasses available in nz

Looking for ornamental grasses available in NZ to elevate your garden? Ornamental grasses are an increasingly popular choice for both modern landscapes and classic Kiwi gardens. Their unique textures, flowing shapes, and year-round visual interest add movement and structure to borders, paths, and open spaces. Whether you’re after a low-maintenance ground cover or a striking foliage accent, New Zealand’s climate is perfect for a wide range of ornamental grasses.

Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.

Lomandra Nyalla

5 from 2 customers

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in height and width, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

From $19.25

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

5 from 2 customers

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately 70 cm in height and width, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

From $17.87

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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$11.50
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$19.25
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$19.25
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$24.77
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and...

From$20.63
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
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$12.95
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

From$11.50
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$17.25
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$14.84
Red Tussock (chionochloa rubra) growing in their natural environment.
Chionochloa rubra

Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as Red Tussock, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its tall, arching foliage in shades of bronze...

From$15.95
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$14.84
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
Lomandra Nyalla

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Carex, and Isolepis, or related Categories - Grasses.

Search ornamental grasses available

Why Choose Ornamental Grasses for Your NZ Garden?

Ornamental grasses thrive in New Zealand, offering resilience to wind, variable temperatures, and different soil conditions. Their drought tolerance makes them an eco-friendly option, while their soft, arching blades soften hard landscaping. Many varieties provide golden hues in autumn, light-catching seed heads, and a peaceful, rustling sound in the breeze.

Popular Varieties of Ornamental Grasses Available in NZ

We stock a diverse selection of ornamental grasses suitable for New Zealand gardens. Each variety brings its own personality—choose based on leaf colour, size, and ideal location.

Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a resilient New Zealand native sedge with fine green foliage. It’s perfect for mass planting, erosion control, or as a lush border around ponds and pathways. This grass tolerates damp and semi-shaded spots, making it versatile for diverse landscapes.

Carex flagellifera Green

A favourite among landscape designers, Carex flagellifera Green features sleek, bright green foliage that forms elegant, fountain-like clumps. Plant in groups for a natural look or line your garden beds for a neat, modern edge. Its adaptability to sun or partial shade makes Carex flagellifera Green a staple in NZ gardens.

Carex flagellifera Red

Add rich colour and texture with Carex flagellifera Red. Its bronzed-red tones stand out in rockeries, mixed borders, or as ground cover beneath trees. This ornamental grass is both eye-catching and hardy, complementing native plantings while withstanding New Zealand’s varying weather.

Lomandra White Sands

Bring year-round structure with Lomandra White Sands. This clumping grass has creamy-edged, strappy leaves and stays attractive all year. It’s ideal for mass planting on banks, beside driveways, or in containers for a tidy, architectural effect.

Lomandra Misty Green

For a softer, lush look, Lomandra Misty Green offers fine, dense foliage in a refreshing mid-green shade. It’s a low-maintenance choice for tough spots, thriving in sun or partial shade, and perfect for water-wise gardens that need reliable ground cover.

Design Tips and Care for Ornamental Grasses

Most ornamental grasses available in NZ are easy care—simply trim back old growth in late winter to encourage fresh shoots come spring. Mix and match varieties for contrast in colour, height, and texture. Use them in drifts for a natural effect, or spotlight a single specimen for a sculptural accent.

Find the Best Ornamental Grasses for Your Space

No matter your garden style, the range of ornamental grasses available in NZ lets you create vibrant, textured landscapes with minimal fuss. Browse our selection of Carex and Lomandra varieties for inspiration, and bring your outdoor space to life with plants that thrive in Kiwi conditions.

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.
Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii' turn heads, but Strelitzia 'Mandelas Gold', Syzygium 'Resilience', and Grevillea 'Gold Rush' quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.
–The Plant Company

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