Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

rare perennial plants nz

If you’re searching for rare perennial plants in NZ to transform your garden into a living treasure trove, you’re in the right place. Unique perennials bring distinctive colour, unusual blooms, and fascinating foliage to New Zealand gardens, rewarding plant lovers year after year. These plants offer exceptional garden performance while giving you the satisfaction of growing something truly special. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or a gardener eager to try something new, rare perennial plants thrive right here in New Zealand’s varied climates.

acer-ukigumo--1

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

5 from 2 customers

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the Floating Cloud Maple, its soft green leaves are beautifully marbled with creamy white and blush tones in spring and summer.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
prunus-ukon-3

Prunus 'Ukon'

Prunus 'Ukon' is a rare and elegant flowering cherry tree admired for its unusual pale yellow green blossoms during spring. This deciduous ornamental tree creates a distinctive display that stands apart from traditional pink flowering cherries, adding sophistication and uniqueness to New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
A beautiful Sedum 'Autumn Joy' plant in a garden with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Sedum 'Autumn Joy', commonly known as Stonecrop, is grown for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage. This herbaceous perennial produces flowers...

From$23.39
Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features...

From$17.87
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
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' plant in a garden with variegated leaves and blue flowers.
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue) grass growing in a garden.
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue)

Festuca coxii, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a hardy NZ native, ornamental grass that features fine, blue foliage. Straw-coloured seed heads...

From$14.49
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$20.63
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' plants with lush green foliage.
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to...

From$22.01
Orange flowers on a lush Clivia miniata grandiflora plant.
Clivia miniata grandiflora

Clivia miniata grandiflora is a bold evergreen perennial admired for its large clusters of brilliant orange trumpet shaped flowers that rise above...

From$30.29
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
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
Saxifraga 'Starblush' plant in flower for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Saxifraga 'Starblush'

Saxifraga 'Starblush' is a delightful alpine perennial that produces masses of soft pink flowers above compact mounds of evergreen foliage. Its...

From$23.39
Phlox 'Daniel' plant covered in pink flowers.
Phlox 'Daniel'

Phlox 'Daniel' is a stunning evergreen perennial admired for its masses of pure white star shaped flowers that cover the plant during spring. This...

From$23.39
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
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
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
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
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
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
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
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
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
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$7.95
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
Olearia adenocarpa shrub for sale.
Olearia adenocarpa (Daisy Tree Plant)

Olearia adenocarpa is a rare and endangered NZ native daisy shrub that is highly valued for conservation and ecological restoration. This hardy shrub...

OUT OF STOCK
Leptinella 'Platts Black' colourful foliage.
Leptinella 'Platts Black'

Leptinella 'Platts Black', also known as Bachelor Button Plant, is a unique NZ native groundcover admired for its finely divided, feathery foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Dietes, and Festuca, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials, and Evergreen Trees.

Search rare perennial plants nz

Why Choose Rare Perennial Plants in NZ Gardens?

Selecting rare perennial plants NZ-wide is an inspired choice for gardeners seeking more than ordinary bedding plants. These exceptional perennials often feature eye-catching flowers, unique foliage patterns, or intriguing growth habits, making them beautiful conversation starters. Many rare perennials are also low-maintenance once established, requiring less effort each season as they return reliably with renewed vigour.

Incorporating rare perennials not only adds year-round interest and biodiversity but can also benefit local pollinators and create dynamic plant combinations. Gardeners across New Zealand are rediscovering the value of sourcing and growing rare perennial plants NZ offers to design gardens that stand out and support local ecosystems.

Top Picks for Rare Perennial Plants NZ

Exploring rare perennial plants in NZ uncovers a range of standout species, from unsung garden heroes to sought-after collector’s items. Here are some unique options you’ll love adding to your landscape:

Expanding your rare perennial collection could also mean integrating unusual trees and foliage plants. Consider layering in Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ) for striking clusters of red berries, or experiment with the sculptural striping of Philodendron 'Birkin' in a container for patio or indoor flair.

Growing and Caring for Rare Perennial Plants NZ

Caring for rare perennial plants NZ gardeners admire doesn’t have to be daunting. Start by matching each plant’s needs—light, drainage, and soil type—to a compatible part of your garden. Most perennials appreciate regular watering as they establish and benefit from an annual layer of mulch to retain moisture and enrich soil health. Keep an eye on any specific needs, such as winter protection or light pruning, especially for rarer species that may come from different climates.

Discover Rare Perennial Plants NZ for a Remarkable Garden

Sourcing and growing rare perennial plants NZ is the key to a vibrant, ever-changing landscape layered with unique textures, colours, and forms. Whether you’re seeking something unusual for a cottage border, a native showpiece, or a bold architectural accent, these perennials promise seasons of enjoyment and discovery. Explore our curated range and start building your own collection today with distinctive choices like Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants), Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris), and Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant).


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

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews