Alpine Plants

About New Zealand Native Alpine Plants

New Zealand’s alpine plants are specially adapted to survive in harsh, high-altitude environments with extreme temperatures, strong winds, and intense sunlight. These plants often have compact forms, hairy or waxy leaves, and vibrant flowers. Notable species include Raoulia eximia (Vegetable Sheep), Celmisia spectabilis (Alpine Daisy), and Aciphylla aurea (Golden Speargrass). Alpine plants play a vital role in stabilizing fragile soils and supporting unique alpine ecosystems. They are also prized in rock gardens and alpine plantings for their resilience and striking appearance.

Above the treeline in New Zealand's mountains exists a remarkably diverse alpine flora, with over 600 species adapted to survive freezing temperatures, strong winds, intense UV radiation, and short growing seasons. These hardy plants showcase fascinating adaptations and create some of our most spectacular natural displays.

New Zealand's alpine plants have evolved in isolation, resulting in high levels of endemism - species found nowhere else on Earth. Many form compact cushion-like growths or low mats to withstand harsh conditions, while others have developed woolly coverings, waxy surfaces, or antifreeze compounds in their tissues.

Beyond their natural mountain habitats, many alpine species make excellent additions to rock gardens or container plantings, bringing a touch of New Zealand's high country to more accessible settings. Their compact growth habits and often striking flowers make them prized by plant enthusiasts worldwide.

Snow Tussock (Chionochloa flavicans)

Snow Tussock

Chionochloa flavicans

Graceful golden-toned tussock grass that provides structure and movement in alpine environments and gardens alike.

Learn more
Vegetable Sheep (Raoulia eximia)

Vegetable Sheep

Raoulia eximia

Remarkable cushion plant that resembles sheep from a distance, with densely packed woolly leaves forming a hard, compacted mound.

Learn more
Mountain Daisy (Brachyglottis lagopus)

Mountain Daisy

Brachyglottis lagopus

A small, woolly-leaved daisy from New Zealand's alpine regions, valued for its bright yellow flowers and resilience in rock gardens.

Learn more

Creating an Alpine Rock Garden

Many New Zealand alpine plants can thrive in well-designed rock gardens. Here are some tips for success:

Explore Other Plant Categories