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perennials to plant in autumn nz

Autumn in New Zealand offers the ideal window to plant a variety of perennials, setting your garden up for vibrant displays come spring and beyond. With milder temperatures and moist soil, perennials establish strong roots, ensuring they're ready to create colour and texture when the warmer months return. If you're searching for perennials to plant in autumn NZ, you've come to the right place—explore our top recommendations and practical tips, all tailored for Kiwi gardens.

A beautiful Sedum 'Autumn Joy' plant in a garden with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

4.5 from 2 customers

Sedum 'Autumn Joy', commonly known as Stonecrop, is grown for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage. This herbaceous perennial produces flowers from summer through autumn that open pink, then mature to a copper colour. The flowers are borne above the succulent, mid-green leaves as it grows to 40 cm tall and the same width.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
salvia-african-sky-

Salvia 'African Sky'

5 from 1 customers

Salvia 'African Sky' is a stunning perennial valued for its masses of vivid sky blue flowers that bloom over a long season from spring through autumn. Its upright growth, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract bees and birds make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
pelargonium-sidoides-
Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its unusual deep maroon to almost black flowers that are produced from spring...

From$20.63
salvia-red-2
Salvia 'Red'

Salvia 'Red' (Red Sage) is a vibrant perennial that produces brilliant red flower spikes above aromatic green foliage from late spring until autumn...

From$27.53
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through...

From$17.87
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor 'plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its narrow green leaves edged with cream and flushed pink. This...

From$11.50
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.
Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and...

From$15.87
agapanthus-lapis-5
Agapanthus 'Lapis'

Agapanthus 'Lapis' is a compact and elegant perennial prized for its abundant clusters of rich blue flowers that appear above tidy clumps of lush...

From$13.95
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Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$22.95
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
Artemisia absinthium perennial plant with grey foliage.
Artemisia absinthium  (Wormwood)

Artemisia absinthium is a hardy perennial herb valued for its finely textured silver foliage and strong aromatic presence. Popular in New Zealand...

From$22.01
acer-autumn-glory-
Acer 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

From$299.95
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.
Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$387.55
geranium-dwarf-white-
Geranium Dwarf White (White Cranesbill)

Geranium Dwarf White is grown for its short stature and beautiful flowers. It features lush, mid-green foliage which becomes adorned with masses of...

From$20.63
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
hemerocallis-moon-goddess-
Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess'

Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess' is a stunning perennial known for its large fragrant pale yellow flowers that open in the evening, creating a beautiful...

From$20.63
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
A Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' specimen tree with colourful, yellow foliage in autumn.
Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold'

Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' is grown for its impressive and colourful foliage. It produces distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves which turn bright...

From$387.55
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
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
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
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
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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
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
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agapanthus, Dietes, and Hosta, or related Categories - Perennials.

Search perennials to plant in autumn nz

Why Plant Perennials in Autumn?

Autumn planting is a smart strategy for gardeners across New Zealand. Soil remains warm from summer, but the risk of drought drops, creating optimal conditions for perennials to settle in. Getting your perennials in the ground during autumn means less stress from heat, fewer pests, and a head start on growth before winter dormancy. Plus, many varieties bring year-round appeal, from striking flowers to lush foliage.

Best Perennials to Plant in Autumn NZ

When it comes to perennials that thrive in New Zealand's autumn climate, consider selecting hardy varieties that offer both visual interest and resilience. Some standout options include:

Complement Your Perennials

While you're focusing on perennials to plant in autumn NZ, it’s worth considering trees and shrubs that enhance your garden’s structure and seasonal interest. Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear that puts on a spectacular show as its foliage turns brilliant shades of gold and red. Pairing perennials with the right trees and shrubs ensures layered beauty and biodiversity in your landscape.

Tips for Planting Success

Enrich Your Garden This Autumn

Choosing perennials to plant in autumn NZ is a rewarding way to future-proof your garden. With the right selection and a little autumn care, you’ll enjoy healthy, established plants that burst into life each spring. Explore our range for more inspiration and start creating a garden that flourishes year after year.


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.

–The Plant Company

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