Owning a garden in New Zealand can be a great source of joy and can add value to your property. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of native plants for garden enthusiasts to enjoy. Our climate is uniquely positioned, with ample humidity, rainfall, sunshine, and volcanically enriched soil.
Across the country, there are native plants that will thrive in any region. The key is to figure out what those are and how to care for them. Finding and planting native plants for garden colour and enrichment is one of the best ways to give back to our local ecosystem while enjoying the fruits of your labour.
For today, we’ll focus on six of the most popular varieties for you to consider.
Harakeke (Native Flax)
You’ll spot harakeke just about everywhere, from the side of the road to the edges of wetlands. It’s a tough, tall beauty with long, blade-like leaves and towering flower spikes that attract birds like tūī and bellbirds.
Best for: Coastal or damp areas, or anywhere you want to add a bit of drama. Pop it in full sun if you can, and tidy it up now and then by trimming off old leaves.
Tī Kōuka (Native Cabbage Tree)
With its spiky top and tall trunk, this native tree adds an instant boost to any garden. It’s hardy, fast-growing, and just a little bit wild-looking in the best way. Not to mention, it’s perfect for appealing to native birds and other pollinators, which helps to keep the rest of your garden looking rich and vibrant.
Best for: Larger gardens or as a statement tree. Just give it some space, it’s not one to be cramped.
Orange Carex
Looking for a splash of colour that lasts all year? Orange carex is your go-to. This bronze-toned tussock adds softness and movement, and it looks stunning in both formal gardens and more natural setups.
We especially love orange carex for its hardiness. This is a plant that can take on Aotearoa’s weather with aplomb, so it’s got an easy spot in any Kiwi garden.
Best for: Edging, borders, or adding texture. If you’re lucky enough to have a stream running through your property, planting some carex along the banks of the stream is thought to act like the ‘kidneys’ of the waterways, keeping water extra clean and free of contaminants.
Hebe (Veronica Parviflora)
There are heaps of Hebe varieties, but Veronica parviflora is a favourite for a reason. It’s compact, neat, and produces soft lilac flowers that bees adore. Not only does it bring a beautiful splash of colour to your garden, but anything that attracts pollinators is good news for the rest of your plants.
Best for: Smaller spaces, garden borders, or pollinator-friendly planting. Simply place it in the sun and give it the occasional trim to keep it neat.
Ornamental Mānuka
You’ve likely heard of manuka before, either for its tea or its honey, and the wild varieties can be found speckling forests all over Aotearoa. But ingenious local gardeners have bred an ornamental variety that will happily take up residence in any garden.
The small leaves and dainty white or pink flowers immediately transform a garden, and while you wouldn’t know it by looking at the bush, it’s tough as nails.
Best for: Dry gardens, informal hedging, or anywhere you want a natural, slightly wild look. A light prune after flowering will keep it bushy.
Ake Ake (Hopbush)
Finally, we have the ake ake, otherwise known as the hopbush. This is truly the underdog of native plants for garden lovers, for many reasons. It’s fast-growing, super hardy, and it loves to give you colour year-round. These are ideal if you want a privacy screen or a windbreak, and those purple-bronze tones will lend a spot of luxury to any piece of your garden.
Best for: Exposed areas, hedging, or adding colour and height. You can prune it for a neat hedge or leave it to grow naturally for some real texture.
Keep in mind that appropriate plants can vary depending on your region, so make sure to triple-check the ideal conditions of a particular native or be prepared to put a bit more tender loving care into plants out of line with your local ecosystem.
When in doubt, your local council website will have extensive guidelines on what natives your region needs more of (and some planting guidelines, too).
Trust the experts in native plants for garden lovers who want to love the environment back.
At Paramount Gardening, we serve as your elite property care partners, helping you create and maintain a garden you can be proud of. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate native plants for garden edging, colour, or height, our team is here to help.
Book in for a quote from our professional gardening team today.
