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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA
COPROSMA ACEROSA:
A sprawling, at-risk
groundcover; ideal
for exposed spots.
make it a superb choice for rock gardens or pots in
frost-free regions.
Among the choice of native shrubs, the Brachyglottis genus offers several species adept at thriving on
exposed sites. Brachyglottis monroi is a particularly
attractive shrub with serrated grey leaves and bright
yellow flowers; it is endemic to the Marlborough
region, making it a fine choice for drier areas of NZ.
Carmichaelia glabrescens is another southeast dweller
and is one of the more unusual, yet striking, species
on this plant list. It is a small, leafless tree from the
broom family which bears masses of spectacular pink
flowers – a showy species for a steep, free draining
bank, cliff face or rock wall.
Plagianthus divaricatus is a bushy shrub with
tangled branches and a purple-red silhouette. It is
usually found growing along open estuarine edges - it
is a hardy yet elegant shrub for an exposed garden.
Olearia angulata is one of many in the Olearia genus
that are useful starters on windy sites. Its silver-green
foliage, compact form and bright yellow flowers make
this small tree a wise choice as a single specimen or
hedging plant in northern areas. Establishing a garden on an exposed site can prove a massive challenge
for all involved. Fortunately, local plant species can
bring an astounding range of form and colour to even
the most tempestuous locations. With thorough site
analysis, carefully considered plant selection and a
healthy dose of patience, tackling a ‘blank canvas’ can
be hugely rewarding for both designer and client.
NATIVE PLANTS FOR SHADE
HEIGHT(M)
WIDTH(M)
GROWTH FORM
NOTES
Acaena anserinifolia
0.15
1
Groundcover
Dense, fast-growing mat; erosion/weed control in various climes; reliable.
Acaena microphylla
0.1
1
Groundcover
Bronze-green foliage; massed red seed heads; needs wind in humid areas.
Astelia banksii
1
1.5
Flax-like
Northern coastal species; dramatic foliage for south facing, dry bank or similar.
Austroderia fulvida
1.5
2
Grass
Smallest toetoe; drooping flower spike; adaptable feature plant; Nth Island.
Brachyglottis repanda
4
2
Shrub
Large grey leaves, white flowers, corky bark; pioneer species; bushmans friend.
Brachyglottis monroi
0.6
0.6
Shrub
Marlborough native; dislikes humidity; serrated foliage; bright yellow blooms.
Carex trifida
0.8
1
Sedge
Robust, compact tussocks; coastal swamp or similar garden; bold & reliable.
Carmichaelia australis
3
2
Tree
Open form; flat stems; ‘leafless’; purple flower clusters; northern cultivation.
Carmichaelia glabrescens 10
4
Tree
Weeping southern species; masses of pink flowers; drier regions and lime soils.
Coprosma acerosa
0.4
1
Groundcover
At risk; sprawling, wiry, orange-green mat; needs exposure & free-draining soil.
Coprosma petriei
0.1
1
Groundcover
Dense mats of fine emerald foliage; needs shelter to start; Japanese gardens.
Coprosma propinqua
3
2
Shrub
Divaricating, small-leaved; forms low mound on exposed sites; NZ wide.
Dodonaea viscosa
4
2
Tree
Hardy coastal bush; fresh green foliage; reddish bark; fast growing; needs sun.
Euphorbia glauca
0.5
2
Herb
At risk; erect, creeping habit; unusual grey/green/blue foliage; free draining soil.
Geranium traversii
0.1
0.4
Herb
Silver-green perrenial; variable flower; dainty addition for tough conditions.
Hoheria populnea
8
3
Tree
Graceful form; scented white flowers; short lived tree for windbreak; NZ wide.
Juncus krausii
1
1
Rush
Dark stems; coastal marshes & geothermal areas; attractive yet underutillised.
Knightia excelsa
12
4
Tree
Distinctive columnar form; crimson, bottlebrush-like flowers for nectar feeders.
Leptospermum scoparium 4
2
Tree/shrub
Common tea tree; abubdant white flowers; several forms including groundcover.
Libertia peregrinans
0.3
0.5
Iris-like
At risk; creeping habit; bright orange, erect swords; accent plant among greens.
Muehlenbeckia astonii
1.5
1.5
Shrub
Distinctive red, zig-zag stems; deciduous, heart-shaped foliage; native butterflies.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris
0.15
1.5
Groundcover
Dense mats of fine, green foliage; tumbles over walls/rocks; scented flowers.
Olearia angulata
4
2
Tree
At risk; bushy habit; silver-mint foliage; brighten up border/shelter plantings.
2
Shrub
Hardy coastal bush; fine grey foliage; bright white flowers; needs exposure.
Ozothamnus leptophyllus 1.5
Pachystegia insignis
0.5
0.5
Shrub
Striking silver foliage; variable form; daisy flower; free draining, exposed areas.
Pimelea oreophila
0.15
0.5
Groundcover
Subalpine habitat; glaucous foliage; white flowers; underutilised southern gem.
Plagianthus divaricatus
2
1.5
Shrub
Tight, divaricating bush; reddish silouhette along estuarine edges; garden-worthy.
Planchonella costata
12
8
Tree
At risk; handsome coastal tree; glossy foliage; red berries; park or street tree.
Veronica punicea
0.5
0.4
Shrub
At risk; lush foliage; magenta flowers; for free-draining, small, windy gardens.
Xeronema callistemon
0.8
1
Sword-leaved
At risk; north coast icon; fresh green swords; bright red flowers; rockery or pots.