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winter hardy perennial plants

If you want a vibrant and resilient garden that thrives all year, winter hardy perennial plants are a must-have for New Zealand gardeners. These robust plants not only withstand chilly temperatures but also return year after year, offering beauty, structure, and low-maintenance appeal to your landscape. Even in the most brisk winter conditions, the right perennials can keep your garden looking lush, colourful, and full of life.

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 shades of white, pink, plum, and green, often with striking speckled centres, bringing colour when few other plants flower. Growing 40–60 cm tall, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
clivia-yellow-

Clivia 'Yellow'

5 from 1 customers

Clivia 'Yellow' is a stunning evergreen perennial that produces elegant clusters of rich yellow flowers above deep green strap like foliage. Flowering through late winter and spring, it brings reliable colour to shaded gardens when many other plants are dormant.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a premium evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter and early spring flowers and attractive year round...

From$22.95
helleborus-hot-flash-
Helleborus 'Hot Flash' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'Hot Flash' is a stunning evergreen perennial that delivers vibrant winter and early spring colour with its richly coloured blooms and...

From$29.95
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

From$20.01
A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

From$28.91
bergenia-pink-snow-cloud-
Bergenia 'Pink Snow Cloud'

Bergenia 'Pink Snow Cloud' is an attractive evergreen perennial admired for its soft pink flowers and bold glossy foliage. Flowering from late winter...

From$18.95
Viola odorata plants with lush green foliage and purple flowers.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Viola odorata, commonly called Sweet Violet, is a charming perennial known for its fragrant blooms and lush green foliage. Native to Europe but...

From$23.39
Chaenomeles 'Alarm' plants for sale with elegant, red flowers.
Chaenomeles 'Alarm'

Chaenomeles 'Alarm' is a hardy deciduous shrub prized for its vivid bright red flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. This classic...

From$27.53
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
clivia-miniata-2
Clivia miniata (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata (Natal Lily) is a striking evergreen perennial admired for its bold dark green strap like foliage and vibrant clusters of orange...

From$30.29
Grevillea 'Ignite' plant.
Grevillea Ignite (Ignite Grevillea)

Grevillea Ignite, commonly known as Spider Flower, is a fast growing, dense shrub which is grown for its spikes of exquisite, bright red and yellow...

From$24.95
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
Rosmarinus prostrata trailing over a bank.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosmarinus prostratus, commonly called Prostrate Rosemary, is a hardy, low-growing shrub with aromatic green foliage and masses of blue flowers from...

From$20.63
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.
Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$31.67
agave-americana-variegata--1
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
agapanthus-sarah-
Agapanthus 'Sarah'

Agapanthus Sarah is a compact and attractive perennial known for its rich coloured flower heads and tidy clumping habit. It performs exceptionally...

From$17.95
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
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
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena) plants with purple flowers bordering a path.
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)

Verbena bonariensis, commonly known as Tall Verbena, is a striking perennial that brings height and elegance to New Zealand gardens. It produces...

From$24.77
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bergenia, Calamagrostis, and Chaenomeles, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials, and Deciduous Shrubs.

Search winter hardy perennial plants

Why Choose Winter Hardy Perennial Plants?

Winter hardy perennial plants bring enduring value to your garden, surviving the coldest months and bursting back to life every spring without the need for replanting. They’re a fantastic way to ensure your borders, pathways, and beds have interest, texture, and greenery through winter’s frosts and chills.

Top Winter Hardy Perennial Plants for New Zealand Gardens

Selecting the right winter hardy perennial plants transforms your outdoor spaces with robust foliage and cold-weather blooms. Standout options include:

Planting and Caring for Winter Hardy Perennials

Success with winter hardy perennial plants begins with choosing the right location and soil. Many, like Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) and Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant), thrive best in well-drained soil with moderate to partial shade. Adding mulch in late autumn helps protect their roots and prolongs persistent foliage.

For best results, water deeply but infrequently during dry winter spells and remove spent leaves to keep your garden tidy. Dividing clumps every few years promotes vigorous growth and longevity—a real bonus as your perennial garden matures.

Design Ideas With Winter Hardy Perennial Plants

Intertwine winter hardy perennial plants in mixed borders alongside shrubs like Chimonanthus praecox for layers of fragrance, colour, and evergreen structure. Grouping strong foliage plants such as Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) around shade-loving blooms like Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) lends interest to cool-season beds. Pockets of Armeria maritima 'Rubra' add a pop of winter cheer to rocky areas or borders.

Create year-round interest and a resilient garden foundation with winter hardy perennial plants—you’ll enjoy a thriving, characterful landscape no matter the season.


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.

Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' are tried and true, but new favourites like Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark), Laurus nobilis angustifolia, and Hemerocallis 'Kents Favourite' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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