New Zealand's native plants are very special and many are endemic, or found only here.
We have some of the most glorious plants in horticulture - few can match the drama of a Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not (Myosotidium hortensia), the glorious colour of rata and pohutukawa (Metrosideros sp.), the stature of a kauri (Agathis australis),or the spiky structure of a 'Spaniard' (Aciphylla sp.).
A number of plants are threatened and found rarely in the wild. Growing these plants in our gardens helps to ensure their survival. Other plants survive in the wild but growing them in our gardens expands bird and insect habitats. New Zealand natives will establish and flourish in situations and exposed positions where introduced plants malinger and struggle. And there are many, many natives that should be grown just because they are plain gorgeous!
We have prepared our Native Plant Profiles so that you see, read and learn how to grow our wonderful native plants.
Spring New Zealand Natives New Zealand gardeners often bemoan the 'greenness' our native flora. But we have some true gems amongst our natives and flowers abound. It's simply a case of knowing when, and where, to look for them, and spring is time for some of the most dazzling displays.
Clematis marmoraria hybrid against corrugated iron, very Kiwi
A special feature on clematis, NZ native and introduced, tells how to use them, how to grow them and has simply loads of photos
Books on New Zealand Plants 'The Native Garden - Design themes from wild New Zealand'
A wonderful, beautifully illustrated book. Evocative photographs of forest, tussock clad hillsides as well as plant closeups emphasise using our vast array of native plants.
'The Encyclopeadia of New Zealand Native Plants' You will find many plants from New Zealand's wonderful, very special native flora in this excellent book. Something for every garden, many that are not well known.
New Zealand Alpine Flowers Early summer is the time for spectacular massing of perennial flowers can be found in New Zealand's alpine regions. The Mount Cook Lily, Ranunculus lyalli, is one of the most famous of these. Celmisias, gentians, ourisias and geums are just some of the varied and fascinating flora of our mountainous terrain.
Admittedly difficult to grow outside their natural habitat, the photographs of these flowers are the stuff of dreams. Enjoy!
Mt Cook, Aoraki, New Zealand's highest peak is home to many alpine flowers
Suppliers Country Cottage Nursery specialist New Zealand native plants nursery offers many plants that are rare in the wild (mail order available).
Email shrubs@ihug.co.nz, Tel Answer/Fax +64 (0)9-817 7806 or visit 205 A Godley Road, Titirangi, New Zealand. Website: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~shrubs
Koru, Native Tree Fern unfurling
Carex dipsacea
Native Grasses and Flax Our native grasses range from the petite to the dramatic giants, and they are complemented by the strong architectural statement of our native flax.
Our special grass and flax profile takes another look at these often-dismissed plants and shows you some very kiwi 'must have' plants.
