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

woody perennial plant

A woody perennial plant is a reliable, long-lasting addition to any New Zealand garden. These robust plants are characterised by their sturdy, woody stems and ability to return year after year, making them a foundation for beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes. Unlike annuals that complete their lifecycle in one year, a woody perennial plant maintains living stems above ground throughout every season, offering structure, seasonal interest, and a dependable framework for your garden’s design.

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' plants with lush green foliage.

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

5 from 1 customers

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to New Zealand gardens. This attractive coral bells variety forms neat mounds of heavily textured leaves that brighten shaded spaces and contrast beautifully with darker foliage plants.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, Woodland
polemonium-stairway-to-heaven--2

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell shaped flowers that appear during spring and early summer. The attractive cream and green foliage often develops pink tinges, creating year round interest in New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Francoa 'Starry Eyes'

Francoa 'Starry Eyes' is an elegant perennial that produces graceful spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its lush green...

From$17.95
francoa-flower-girl-
Francoa 'Flower Girl'

Francoa 'Flower Girl' is a graceful perennial that produces elegant spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its attractive clumps...

From$17.95
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
dianthus-memories-
Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are...

From$16.49
osteospermum-daydream--1
Osteospermum Daydream (Cape Daisy)

“Daydream” is a variety of Osteospermum grown for its lovely flowers. This herbaceous perennial produces masses of large, pink with a dark centre...

From$24.15
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
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
Artemisia absinthium perennial plant with grey foliage.
Artemisia absinthium  (Wormwood)

Artemisia absinthium is a hardy perennial herb valued for its finely textured silver foliage and strong aromatic presence. Popular in New Zealand...

From$22.01
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
Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream' flower.
Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream'

Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream' is a compact, long flowering perennial valued for its soft creamy yellow daisy flowers that gradually fade to pale cream...

From$26.15
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
Orthrosanthus multiflorus grass plant with elegant, blue flowers.
Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Morning Iris)

Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Morning Flag) is a hardy evergreen perennial valued for its grassy foliage and masses of delicate pale blue star shaped...

From$22.01
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor 'plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its narrow green leaves edged with cream and flushed pink. This...

From$11.50
penstemon-snowstorm-
Penstemon 'Snowstorm'

Penstemon 'Snowstorm' is a beautiful flowering perennial admired for its masses of pure white tubular blooms that appear from late spring through...

From$24.77
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
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
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
agapanthus-lapis-5
Agapanthus 'Lapis'

Agapanthus 'Lapis' is a compact and elegant perennial prized for its abundant clusters of rich blue flowers that appear above tidy clumps of lush...

From$13.95
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Artemisia, Dianthus, and Francoa, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search woody perennial plant

What is a Woody Perennial Plant?

A woody perennial plant is a plant with woody stems that persist and grow larger each year. Unlike herbaceous perennials, which die back to the ground each winter, woody perennials keep their stems alive above ground, allowing them to develop into shrubs, sub-shrubs, or even small trees. Roses, lavender, and camellias are common examples. These plants offer the advantage of year-round structure, resilience to New Zealand’s diverse climate, and a reduced need for replacement planting.

Benefits of Adding Woody Perennial Plants

Choosing a woody perennial plant for your landscape means you’re investing in both beauty and ease of care. These plants require less maintenance than annuals, as their established roots and stems are more drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. They’re perfect for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings, creating privacy and structure. Many varieties produce vibrant blooms or attractive foliage that change throughout the seasons, keeping your outdoor spaces interesting and inviting all year.

Companion Planting and Best Choices

Woody perennial plants pair well with other perennials for continuous colour and texture. Consider combining them with options like Diascia Genta Ruby (Diascia Perennial), which adds warmth and charm with its ruby flowers, or Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant), celebrated for its glossy leaves and resilient nature. Additionally, perennial geraniums—such as Geranium Johnson's Blue (Perennial Geranium) and Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants)—bring extended flowering and cottage garden charm to mixed borders.

For gardeners seeking to integrate indoor greenery with their outdoor plantings, consider the classic Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) for your household. While not a woody perennial itself, it makes a wonderful complementary accent indoors alongside your patio’s hardy shrubs.

Caring for Woody Perennial Plants

Planting a woody perennial plant in the right spot is key to its success. Most prefer well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded site. Regular mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, leaving you with less garden maintenance. Pruning, usually done in late winter or early spring, encourages healthy new growth and shapes the plant for the season ahead. With the right choices, your woody perennials will reward you with reliable structure and seasonal colour for years to come.

Explore our range of high-performing perennials and find the perfect woody perennial plant and companions to suit your garden design. Whether you’re revitalising a border or starting fresh, these steadfast plants will become the backbone of your garden’s beauty and resilience.


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.

–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

463 Google reviews