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shade loving ground cover plants nz

Are you searching for the best shade loving ground cover plants NZ gardeners can rely on? Whether you’re taming a tricky spot under mature trees or adding lush texture to a cool south-facing border, selecting the right ground covers is essential for a thriving, low-maintenance garden. Luckily, Aotearoa is home to many fantastic shade-tolerant options. Read on to discover top choices, tips for planting in Kiwi shade gardens, and inspiring varieties to transform shaded spaces into beautiful, living carpets.

Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.

Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Ideal for covering fences, walls, and pergolas, it also makes an excellent ground cover for shaded or difficult areas. This hardy and adaptable plant adds lush texture and greenery to New Zealand gardens all year round with minimal care.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 30.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
Ajuga 'Pink Elf' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery featuring with elegant spikes carrying pink flowers.

Ajuga 'Pink Elf'

Ajuga 'Pink Elf' is a charming ground cover that brings soft pink flower spikes and compact, vibrant foliage to NZ gardens. This petite and hardy variety spreads steadily to form a neat, colourful carpet that thrives in shaded or semi shaded spaces. Ideal for borders, underplanting shrubs, and brightening woodland garden areas, Ajuga 'Pink Elf' offers year round interest, easy care appeal, and a delicate touch of colour to darker corners.

From $18.63

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, Woodland
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$16.95
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$13.73
Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' plants with elegant blue flowers and lush green leaves growing as a ground cover.
Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty'

Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy green leaves flushed with bronze and its...

From$18.63
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.63
Selliera 'Sundrops' plant with variegated yellow and green, fleshy leaves.
Selliera 'Sundrops'

Selliera 'Sundrops' is a tough low growing ground cover valued for its glossy green foliage and cheerful yellow daisy flowers that appear through the...

From$20.01
Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' plants with variegated foliage and blue flowers.
Ajuga reptans variegata

Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' is a quick-growing, ground-covering plant that features colourful leaves that are variegated green and cream. In spring, it...

From$17.87
Carpodetus serratus prostrata plant with horizontal stems and marbled leaves.
Carpodetus serratus prostrata

Carpodetus serratus prostrata, commonly known as prostrate Marble Leaf or prostrate Putaputaweta, is a low-growing, NZ native shrub that is often...

From$27.53
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$16.95
Pratia angulata (Panakenake) plants growing as a dense ground cover with lush green leaves and pretty, white flowers.
Pratia angulata

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a fast-growing, NZ native ground cover plant. It has small, rounded, green leaves that are held...

From$20.01
Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.
Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

From$20.01
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' is a unique ground covering evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and naturally spreading form. Well...

From$16.95
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$16.22
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.
Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$14.95
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
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
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
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
camellia-sasanqua-with-love-
Camellia With Love

Camellia 'With Love' is a charming evergreen shrub known for its soft romantic blooms and glossy green foliage. It provides beautiful winter to...

From$27.53
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.91
Gardenia augusta 'True Love' white flower with mid-green foliage.
Gardenia 'True Love'

Gardenia 'True Love' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching around 60–90 cm tall and wide, perfect for adding fragrance and lush foliage to NZ...

From$18.95
leucadendron-loving-memory-2
Leucadendron 'Loving Memory'

Leucadendron 'Loving Memory' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its colourful foliage and bold seasonal bracts that provide outstanding...

From$34.43
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
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
Lavender 'Love Heart' two-tone pink flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Love Heart'

Lavender 'Love Heart' is a charming lavender variety adored for its soft pink purple flowers and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from early...

From$24.15
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
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
Hedera canariensis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ajuga, Arthropodium, Camellia, Carex, Carpodetus, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Gardenia, Hedera, Helichrysum, Isotoma, Juniperus, Lavender, Leucadendron, Libertia, Mint, Monstera, Muehlenbeckia, Pratia, Sedum, Selliera Stromanthe and Vinca, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search shade loving ground cover plants nz

Why Choose Shade Loving Ground Covers?

Shady areas in the garden can be difficult to keep attractive, especially where lawn struggles or bare soil shows. Shade loving ground cover plants NZ growers select aren't just practical—they're also beautiful. These tough, spreading plants help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and add year-round interest. Many offer seasonal flowers, glossy or textured foliage, and a lush look that brightens even the darkest corners.

Top Shade Loving Ground Cover Plants for NZ Gardens

Some of the best ground cover plants for shade are both hardy and decorative, perfect for New Zealand’s diverse climates:

Tips for Planting in Shade

When selecting shade loving ground cover plants NZ conditions will support, assess your site’s level of shade—whether it's light, partial, or deep. Improve soil with compost, and water new plantings regularly until established. Plant closer together for faster coverage, and consider mixing foliage colours or textures for added visual interest.

Create a Beautiful Shaded Garden

Choosing the right shade loving ground covers can transform dull, shady patches into flourishing areas filled with texture and layered interest. Explore featured varieties like Ajuga 'Port Wine', Coprosma kirkii, and the versatile Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) to bring your shaded garden corners to life. With a little planning, even the most challenging shaded spaces can become highlights in your landscape.

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.
Duranta Geisha Girl and Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) are beloved staples, but Carex dissita (Purei), Hemerocallis Wine Delight (Wine Delight Daylily), and Michelia yunnanensis bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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