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

small native plants

Small native plants are an ideal choice for New Zealand gardens, offering unique beauty and environmental benefit in compact forms. Whether you’re gardening in a tiny backyard, filling gaps in a border, or creating a native groundcover area, choosing small native plants helps celebrate Aotearoa’s rich biodiversity while supporting local wildlife. These hardy species are adapted to New Zealand’s conditions, making them low-maintenance and resilient choices for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Surfer'

5 from 2 customers

Phormium 'Surfer' is a compact New Zealand native flax admired for its striking green leaves edged with bronze and red tones. Its upright, arching foliage adds year round structure, texture, and colour contrast to the garden. This hardy and versatile variety is ideal for small spaces, borders, and containers.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.

Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The juvenile leaves are long and slender with strongly toothed margins, while the adult form is much bushier and has a braided appearance. It grows slowly to eventually reach 8 m in height and 3 m in width.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.
Sophora prostrata

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers...

From$26.15
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
A lush Pseudopanax laetus shrub.
Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger)

Pseudopanax laetus, commonly known as the Large-leaved Five Finger, is a striking New Zealand native shrub renowned for its lush, glossy green...

From$30.29
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

From$27.53
Kunzea ericoides (Kanuka) shrub in full flower.
Kunzea ericoides

Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance...

From$8.97
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
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
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
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
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$14.95
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$34.95
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
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
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
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
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
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$9.95
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
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
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
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$36.00
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
Phormium 'Surfer'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Kunzea, Phormium, and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Flaxes, Evergreen Shrubs, and Succulents.

Search small native plants

Why Choose Small Native Plants?

Opting for small native plants brings a host of advantages. Their compact size makes them perfect for urban gardens, courtyards, or as accents in larger native landscapes. Many act as groundcovers, suppressing weeds, reducing erosion, and retaining moisture in the soil. By selecting small native plants, you also help preserve New Zealand’s unique flora and foster habitats for native birds, lizards, and insects.

Favourite Small Native Groundcovers

Groundcover species thrive with minimal care, offering lush foliage and often charming flowers. Pratia angulata, for instance, features tiny star-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves, forming a dense mat ideal for shaded spots or between paving stones. Another excellent choice is Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons): its fern-like foliage and yellow-green button flowers make it a playful groundcover. For stunning colour, Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons) offers purple-bronze tones and delicate texture, perfect for edging or filling in difficult spots.

Explore Leptospermum Wairere for a sprawling groundcover with silvery foliage and small white flowers, creating an attractive native carpet for banks or retaining walls. These species all suit rock gardens, around stepping stones, or as low borders, and thrive in New Zealand’s changing climate.

Compact Shrubs and Small Trees

Small native plants aren’t limited to groundcovers — compact shrubs and smaller trees can work wonders as feature plants, informal hedges, or container displays. Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) is a great example, offering fine foliage and showy clusters of yellow flowers that attract tūī and bellbirds in spring. Its small size and elegant branching make it an ideal choice for smaller properties or for growing in a pot on the patio.

Using Small Native Plants in Your Garden

Small native plants are incredibly versatile. Mass plant them for a modern, low-maintenance look, weave them between larger trees, or use them as living mulch under taller species. They fit beautifully in cottage gardens, naturalistic landscaping, or to soften paths and patios. Best of all, small native plants require less watering and fertiliser, reducing your garden’s impact and providing a truly local habitat.

Start Your Native Garden Today

Inviting small native plants into your garden isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a resilient, uniquely New Zealand landscape. From Pratia angulata and Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons) to Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) and Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons), there are small native plants to suit every space. Discover our range and bring a touch of native charm to your home, one small but mighty plant at a time.


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.

Everyone knows classic varieties like Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac', but you might just fall in love with Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream', Eucryphia cordifolia, and Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box).
–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

445 Google reviews