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.

Acanthus mollis perennial with purple-white flowers above lush, green foliage.

Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Acanthus mollis, known as Bears Breeches or Oyster Plant, is a bold and striking perennial that adds a touch of elegance to NZ gardens. It features large, glossy, lobed leaves and tall flower spikes adorned with white and purple blooms in summer. This easy-care plant thrives in a variety of conditions and makes a stunning statement in shaded or partially sunny garden areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

5 from 1 customers

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It features short, bright green leaves with a cream margin as it grows to 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide. Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum is commonly grown indoors in a container though it can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas. In these situations, it is often included in borders, planted around outdoor living areas, mass planted as a groundcover, or planted alongside a path.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
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
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...

From$499.80
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
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
plant-pots-
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
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
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
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
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
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
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$13.40
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$36.00
pb-2-planter-bags-
PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$20.54
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
bergenia-cordifolia-3
Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' plant with elegant blue flowers.
Geranium Johnson's Blue (Perennial Geranium)

Geranium Johnson’s Blue is grown for its foliage and delicate flowers. This herbaceous perennial carries soft looking, mid-green leaves. The showy...

OUT OF STOCK
Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acanthus, Chlorophytum, and Cissus, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Spades, and Indoor Plants.

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.

Lomandra Little Con and Rose 'Flower Carpet White' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Azalea 'Red Wings', Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts', and Hedera canariensis Variegata deserve a moment in the sun.
–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

445 Google reviews