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perennial rockery plants

If you’re searching for perennial rockery plants that thrive in New Zealand gardens, you’re in the right place. Perennial rockery plants are ideal for adding year-round beauty, texture, and colour to your rock gardens, borders, and dry slopes. These hardy perennials flourish in well-drained soils with minimal maintenance and can handle our varied climates, making them a smart choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you're looking to create a classic alpine display, fill tricky corners with greenery, or attract pollinators, perennial rockery plants offer versatility and resilience.

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Saxifraga 'Starblush'

Saxifraga 'Starblush' is a delightful alpine perennial that produces masses of soft pink flowers above compact mounds of evergreen foliage. Its delicate blooms create a stunning display during the flowering season while the dense foliage provides year round appeal.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
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 masses of small, yellow flowers which are complemented with dark green, grass-like foliage. It grows as a clump to about 10 cm tall and 20 cm wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
osteospermum-ice-white-
Osteospermum 'Ice White'

Osteospermum 'Ice White' is a beautiful flowering perennial admired for its crisp white daisy like blooms with contrasting dark centres. This compact...

From$24.77
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Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

From$16.95
gaura-steffi-blush-2
Gaura 'Steffi Blush Pink'

Gaura 'Steffi Blush Pink' is a compact perennial that produces masses of delicate blush pink flowers on slender stems from spring through autumn. Its...

From$24.77
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
Phormium 'Jack Spratt' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Phormium 'Jack Spratt'

Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is one of the smallest New Zealand native flax varieties, admired for its narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze to dark...

From$12.95
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$11.95
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
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$21.39
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.
Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$31.67
Agave tequilana plants with metallic-blue coloured foliage.
Agave tequilana

Agave tequilana (Tequila Agave) is a bold and dramatic succulent best known as the source of tequila production in Mexico. It features striking...

From$29.95
scutellaria-snowflakes--1
Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap)

Scutellaria Snowflakes, commonly known as Scutellaria Skullcap or the Skullcaps plant, is grown for its foliage and flowers. This versatile and...

From$12.95
dianthus-memories-
Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are...

From$16.49
Stachys macrantha plants with lush green foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Stachys macrantha

Stachys macrantha is a lovely herbaceous perennial grown for both its flowers and foliage. This small plant produces masses of pink-purple flowers on...

From$12.95
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$33.05
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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$225.86
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
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$499.80
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$8.64
Saxifraga 'Starblush'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, Coprosma, and Gaura, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search perennial rockery plants

Why Choose Perennial Rockery Plants?

Perennial rockery plants provide lasting impact season after season. Unlike annuals, these plants return reliably, helping you build a low-maintenance garden with enduring structure and style. Their compact growth habits not only complement rocks and gravel but also resist wind and drought, making them sustainable options for sunny, exposed locations. Many species are evergreen or produce striking foliage in addition to their blooms, creating interest even when flowers are scarce.

Top Perennial Rockery Plants for New Zealand Gardens

Planting and Care Tips for Perennial Rockery Plants

For the best results, plant your perennial rockery plants in free-draining soil and select a sunny to partially shaded position. Most rockery perennials benefit from occasional feeding and a light trim after flowering to keep them compact and vigorous. Consider using a mix of foliage and flowering types to create year-round interest. Mulch with gravel or stones to suppress weeds and up the authentic alpine look.

Enhance Your Rockery Garden

Choosing perennial rockery plants lets you create a stunning, enduring landscape with minimal fuss. Explore our curated range—including Pratia pedunculata 'alba', Armeria maritima 'Alba', Armeria 'Dream Clouds', Sedum 'Midnight Coral', and Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)—to bring lasting charm and a touch of New Zealand nature to your garden rockery.


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.

You know Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant's Tail Grass) and Azara microphylla, but have you met Orange 'Harwood Late', Apple 'Golden Delicious', and Pinus pinea? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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