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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. Evergreen foliage adds year-round appeal, making it ideal for shaded borders, under trees, or as a feature plant in NZ gardens.

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
Orange flowers on a lush Clivia miniata grandiflora plant.

Clivia miniata grandiflora (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata grandiflora is a stunning perennial known for its large, vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers and dark green strap-like leaves. Ideal for shaded gardens and indoor pots, this hardy plant brings bold colour and structure to New Zealand gardens year-round.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
chimonanthus-praecox-1
Chimonanthus praecox

The Chimonanthus praecox plant, commonly known as the Wintersweet tree, is a deciduous shrub grown for its winter flowering. During this time, it...

From$136.04
helleborus-english-thoroughbred-
Helleborus English Thoroughbred Series (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a graceful winter-flowering perennial that features soft pink blooms with subtle green undertones. This variety...

From$24.77
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Helleborus White Hybrid (Hellebore)

Helleborus White Hybrid is a timeless winter-flowering perennial that produces clean white blooms held above lush evergreen foliage. Flowering...

From$18.63
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Helleborus Yellow Hybrid (Hellebore)

Helleborus Yellow Hybrid is a cheerful winter-flowering perennial that produces soft yellow blooms from mid to late winter. Ideal for brightening...

From$18.63
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Helleborus White Magic (Hellebore)

Helleborus 'White Magic' is an early-flowering perennial that produces crisp white blooms in mid to late winter. Its compact size and tidy growth...

From$18.63
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Helleborus Apricot Hybrid (Hellebore)

Helleborus Apricot Hybrid is a soft and elegant winter-flowering perennial that produces blooms in warm apricot and blush tones. Flowering from mid...

From$18.63
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Clivia Yellow (Natal Lily)

Clivia Yellow is an herbaceous perennial grown for its impressive flowers. Clusters of large and showy, yellow flowers are borne on slender stems...

From$22.01
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
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

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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
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
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
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
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Pear Winter Cole (Winter Cole Pear)

The Winter Cole pear is grown for its impressively flavoured and textured fruit which ripen in late autumn. The rounded fruit have a russeted skin...

From$404.59
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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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$26.15
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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$38.57
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

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
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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...

From$44.09
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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
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
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
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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...

From$499.80
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Carex, Chimonanthus, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Clivia, Helichrysum, Helleborus, Mint, Monstera, Pear, Portulaca, Sansevieria, Sedum Strelitzia and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Moss Poles, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Spades, Pear Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

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.

Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' are tried and true, but new favourites like Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' (Lily Of The Nile), Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford', and Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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