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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.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

5 from 1 customers

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 spreading up to 30 cm wide. It features plump, jelly bean-shaped leaves that are green with red tips, intensifying with sun exposure. Yellow star-shaped flowers appear in spring.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Succulents
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Rock
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 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.

An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and...

From$26.15
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
scutellaria-snowflakes--1
Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap)

Scutellaria Snowflakes, commonly known as Scutellaria Skullcap or the Skullcaps plant, is grown for its foliage and flowers. This versatile and...

From$12.95
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
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$18.95
Haworthia fasciata succulent growing in a pot.
Haworthia fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green leaves with silver lines have a rough...

From$15.11
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
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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 dark pink Magnolia 'Cameo' flower on a young tree before the foliage emerges.
Magnolia 'Cameo'

Magnolia 'Cameo' is a stunning deciduous magnolia prized for its upright, tulip-shaped flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are...

From$387.55
Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

From$12.95
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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
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
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
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Buxus 'Green Gem'

Buxus 'Green Gem' is a compact, evergreen boxwood plant that is ideal for low hedges, borders, and topiary in New Zealand gardens. It forms a dense...

From$99.95
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Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale...

From$515.35
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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
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
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$9.95
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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$24.95
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
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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...

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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
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$22.01
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
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$17.95
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
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Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$44.09
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Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

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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
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Asplenium, Fuscospora, and Gardenia, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Ground Fern, and Groundcover 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 Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff to fresh faces like Helleborus 'White Hybrid' (Hellebore), Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson', and Pittosporum 'Jade' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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