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small sun shade for plants

Protecting your garden from New Zealand’s intense sunlight can be challenging, especially if you want to give your plants just the right amount of shade. A small sun shade for plants offers an easy and effective solution, whether you’re sheltering delicate seedlings, container plants on your deck, or established favourites in the garden. With a small sun shade for plants, you’ll reduce the risk of sunburn, help preserve soil moisture, and create a more controlled environment that supports healthy growth.

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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 will still pass through. This premium, knitted cloth is made from HDPE Monofilament to ensure is does not rip. The cloth has been UV stabilised for NZ conditions and comes with a ten-year UV warranty. The standard colour is green but different colours are available on request. Be sure to order the Shade/Windbreak clips to lock the cloth to support wires. This item comes in a 1.83 m wide roll that is 50 m long.

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Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf variety provides year round structure and colour while requiring very little maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and smaller gardens. Its neat form makes it perfect for low hedges, borders, containers, and feature planting. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a reliable shrub that delivers lasting visual appeal and practical landscaping benefits throughout the year.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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
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
rhododendron-scented-sun-
Rhododendron 'Scented Sun'

Rhododendron 'Scented Sun' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its fragrant flowers and attractive dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$37.19
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
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$19.95
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
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
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
rhipsalis-paradoxa-5
Rhipsalis paradoxa (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$26.91
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
rhipsalis-baccifera-1
Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$30.29
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
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$26.15
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$22.01
Buxus microphylla 'Koreana' (Korean Box) plant with lush, green foliage.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$16.95
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
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$20.01
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
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
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
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 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$27.36
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 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$79.20
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 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$23.04
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2.5 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$37.44
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 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$48.96
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
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

These industry standard labels are made from plastic infused paper which makes them both tough and waterproof. They are widely used across the...

From$26.78
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
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
Shadecloth - 70% Shade  (Shade Cloth For Plants)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Chlorophytum, and Mint, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Grasses, and Indoor Plants.

Search small sun shade for plants

Why Use a Small Sun Shade for Plants?

Many plants can suffer from harsh midday sun, leading to scorched foliage or stunted growth. A small sun shade for plants provides targeted coverage, perfect for seedlings, succulents like Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant), or shade-loving varieties such as Rhododendron Scented Sun. Using a dedicated shade not only reduces plant stress but can extend your growing season, keeping your garden vibrant even during the hottest months.

Choosing the Right Shade Cloth

Selecting the right material for your small sun shade for plants is essential for optimal protection and air flow. For most garden plants, a Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants) is ideal, blocking up to 70% of direct sunlight while still allowing enough filtered light for healthy photosynthesis. For a lighter touch, the Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth) provides moderate shading, perfect for more sun-tolerant species.

Portable sun shades and garden umbrellas can work well for container displays or tender annuals, while a tailored section of quality shade cloth is often the best long-term option for beds or raised planters. No matter your space, there’s a practical solution to ensure your plants stay cool and healthy in the sun.

Multi-Functional Benefits

A small sun shade for plants does more than protect against harsh UV rays. It also helps shield vulnerable plants from strong wind, heavy rain, and sudden temperature changes. For windy gardens, combining your sun protection with a Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth) helps create a sheltered microclimate. This can be especially useful for helping new transplants settle in or for protecting more fragile varieties.

How to Install a Small Sun Shade for Plants

Most small sun shades for plants are quick and easy to install. Simply drape the shade cloth over hoops, stakes, or a makeshift frame above your planting area, ensuring the material is taut but not compressing leafy growth. Secure with garden clips or ties, and adjust as needed to follow the sun’s movement.

For best results, position your shade to protect plants during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm in New Zealand). Remove or adjust as the seasons change to maximise healthy exposure.

Protect and Nurture Your Plants Today

Investing in a small sun shade for plants can make all the difference, especially during summer’s peak UV. Browse our full range of shading options, from Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants) to Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth), and give your garden the environment it needs to thrive. Whether you’re growing succulents, rhododendrons, or veggies, a small sun shade brings added peace of mind for every gardener.


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.

From trusted favourites like Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) to fresh faces like Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget', Gazania New Day Red Stripe, and Magnolia denudata — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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