Native Plants Guide

Featured Native Trees

Pohutukawa

New Zealand's iconic Christmas tree produces spectacular crimson blooms from December through January. Ideal for coastal properties and larger gardens, this evergreen provides year-round structure and attracts native birds. Grows 10-20m tall with spreading canopy.

Totara

Majestic native conifer with distinctive bronze-green foliage and attractive peeling bark. Extremely hardy and long-lived, totara makes an excellent specimen tree or hedge. Grows slowly to 15-30m, tolerates most soil types and conditions.

Kowhai

Beloved for its golden yellow flowers that appear in spring, attracting tui and other nectar-feeding birds. Deciduous or semi-deciduous depending on climate. Reaches 8-12m tall, perfect for medium-sized gardens seeking seasonal color and wildlife.

Puriri

Stunning broadleaf evergreen with glossy foliage and pink-red flowers throughout the year. Produces berries loved by native pigeons. Grows 15-20m tall, prefers warmer northern regions. Excellent shade tree for larger properties.

Kauri

Ancient forest giant with smooth grey bark and dense evergreen canopy. Slow-growing but magnificent specimen tree for spacious properties. Requires well-drained soil and protection from kauri dieback disease. Can reach 30m+ over many decades.

Rimu

Graceful native conifer with weeping foliage and attractive red bark. Juvenile plants have distinctive drooping branches. Grows 20-35m tall in ideal conditions. Excellent for creating vertical interest and providing habitat for native birds.

Shrubs and Understory Plants

Kawakawa

Versatile understory plant with heart-shaped leaves, often featuring distinctive insect holes. Thrives in shade, produces small flowers and orange berries. Grows 2-4m tall. Culturally significant plant traditionally valued by Maori culture.

Coprosma

Diverse genus offering varieties from ground covers to tall shrubs. Many cultivars feature colorful foliage in bronze, red, or variegated patterns. Extremely hardy and low-maintenance. Ideal for hedging, borders, or specimen planting.

Hebe

Popular native shrub with attractive flowers and evergreen foliage. Hundreds of varieties available in different sizes, colors, and forms. Excellent for borders, containers, or mass planting. Most species grow 0.5-2m tall.

Pittosporum

Versatile evergreen shrubs with glossy foliage and fragrant flowers. Excellent for hedging, screening, or specimen planting. Varieties range from compact forms to small trees. Tolerates coastal conditions and urban environments well.

Pseudopanax

Architectural plants with distinctive foliage forms. Five finger varieties offer bold tropical appearance while lancewood provides dramatic vertical accent. Grows 3-8m depending on species. Adds unique character to native gardens.

Corokia

Compact native shrub with twisted branches and small leaves creating interesting texture. Yellow star-shaped flowers in spring followed by colorful berries. Grows 1-3m tall. Perfect for low hedges or feature planting.

Ground Covers and Grasses

Harakeke

New Zealand flax provides bold architectural form with sword-like leaves. Available in green, bronze, and variegated varieties. Grows 1-3m tall. Excellent for creating dramatic focal points, erosion control, or wetland planting.

Carex

Native sedges offering graceful arching foliage in various colors and sizes. Extremely versatile for borders, mass planting, or containers. Most varieties grow 30-60cm tall. Tolerates wet or dry conditions depending on species.

Muehlenbeckia

Fast-growing ground cover or climber with tiny round leaves creating dense mat. Excellent for erosion control, covering banks, or softening hard edges. Tolerates poor soil and exposed conditions. Can be trimmed to maintain compact form.

Pratia

Low-growing ground cover perfect for lawn alternatives or filling gaps between pavers. Produces small white or blue flowers. Grows only 2-5cm tall. Tolerates light foot traffic and creates soft, green carpet effect.

Poa

Native tussock grasses providing texture and movement in the garden. Various species range from compact forms to large specimens. Excellent for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, or creating meadow effects. Very low maintenance.

Selliera

Coastal ground cover with succulent leaves and white flowers. Extremely salt-tolerant and hardy. Ideal for challenging coastal sites, between pavers, or as lawn alternative. Grows 5-10cm tall, spreads readily to form dense mat.

Planting Tips

Best Planting Times

Autumn and early spring offer ideal conditions for establishing native plants. Cooler temperatures and regular rainfall help new plantings develop strong root systems before summer heat.

Watering Requirements

Regular watering is essential during the first year while plants establish. Once established, most natives require minimal supplementary watering except during extended dry periods.

Mulching Benefits

Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Use bark chips, compost, or leaf litter. Maintain 5-10cm depth, keeping mulch away from plant stems.

Pruning Practices

Most natives require minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed. Light trimming after flowering maintains shape. Avoid heavy pruning which can stress plants and reduce flowering.

Need Help Choosing Plants?

Selecting the right native plants for your specific site conditions ensures success. Our team can assess your property and recommend species that will thrive in your garden's unique environment.

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