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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.

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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: 3.00 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: 5.00 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
Hoya 'Teddy' flowers.
Hoya 'Teddy Bear'

Hoya 'Teddy Bear' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing stems...

From$27.53
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
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' plants with elegant white flowers bordering a path.
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’ is a compact New Zealand native perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit, slender green foliage, and masses of starry...

From$16.50
Selliera radicans green plants growing in a rocky location.
Selliera radicans (Remuremu)

Selliera radicans, commonly known as Remuremu, is a NZ native, herbaceous perennial that forms a tight mat of bright green leaves. The glossy and...

From$20.01
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
Francoa 'Starry Eyes'

Francoa 'Starry Eyes' is an elegant perennial that produces graceful spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its lush green...

From$17.95
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
geum-tempo-yellow-
Geum 'Tempo Yellow'

Geum 'Tempo Yellow' is a cheerful perennial that produces bright yellow flowers over a long flowering period, adding vibrant colour to NZ gardens...

From$16.95
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
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
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
francoa-flower-girl-
Francoa 'Flower Girl'

Francoa 'Flower Girl' is a graceful perennial that produces elegant spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its attractive clumps...

From$17.95
penstemon-snowstorm-
Penstemon 'Snowstorm'

Penstemon 'Snowstorm' is a beautiful flowering perennial admired for its masses of pure white tubular blooms that appear from late spring through...

From$24.77
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
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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
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
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
Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Arthropodium, and Dietes, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

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.

Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' and Rhododendron 'Black Magic' are beloved staples, but Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha', Carex virgata, and Westringia 'Aussie Box' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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