Introduction
Overview
New Zealand native flowering plants display a remarkable diversity of forms, colours, and ecological strategies. From the iconic kōwhai (Sophora spp.) with its bright yellow blooms to the vibrant red flowers of the pōhutukawa ( Metrosideros excelsa ), these plants provide essential food for native birds and insects. Many species, such as Clianthus maximus (Kākābeak) and Veronica salicifolia (Koromiko) (Hebe salicifolia is a synonym of Veronica salicifolia), are popular in gardens for their ornamental value and ability to attract pollinators. Native flowering plants are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.
About New Zealand's Native Flowers
New Zealand's native flowering plants offer unique colours and forms that have evolved in isolation. While often more subtle than exotic garden varieties, our native flowers have special adaptations to local conditions and provide essential food for native birds, bees, and other pollinators. Alpine specialists like NZ Plantain showcase remarkable evolutionary adaptations to high-altitude environments, while spectacular bloomers like Mountain Buttercup create brilliant golden carpets of colour across New Zealand's high country. Adding native flowering plants to your garden helps support local ecosystems.
Explore Our Native Flowering Plants
Veronica Leiophylla Native Plant
Veronica leiophylla
Veronica Leiophylla Native Plant ( Veronica leiophylla ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Lycopodioides Native Plant
Veronica lycopodioides
Veronica Lycopodioides Native Plant ( Veronica lycopodioides ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Macrantha Native Plant
Veronica macrantha
Veronica Macrantha Native Plant ( Veronica macrantha ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Obtusata Native Plant
Veronica obtusata
Veronica Obtusata Native Plant ( Veronica obtusata ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Ochracea Native Plant
Veronica ochracea
Veronica Ochracea Native Plant ( Veronica ochracea ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Pauciramosa Native Plant
Veronica pauciramosa
Veronica Pauciramosa Native Plant ( Veronica pauciramosa ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Pimeleoides Native Plant
Veronica pimeleoides
Veronica Pimeleoides Native Plant ( Veronica pimeleoides ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Plebeia Native Plant
Veronica plebeia
Veronica Plebeia Native Plant ( Veronica plebeia ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Pubescens Native Plant
Veronica pubescens
Veronica Pubescens Native Plant ( Veronica pubescens ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Pulvinaris Native Plant
Veronica pulvinaris
Veronica Pulvinaris Native Plant ( Veronica pulvinaris ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Rakaiensis Native Plant
Veronica rakaiensis
Veronica Rakaiensis Native Plant ( Veronica rakaiensis ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Recurva Native Plant
Veronica recurva
Veronica Recurva Native Plant ( Veronica recurva ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Stenophylla Native Plant
Veronica stenophylla
Veronica Stenophylla Native Plant ( Veronica stenophylla ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Strictissima Native Plant
Veronica strictissima
Veronica Strictissima Native Plant ( Veronica strictissima ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Traversii Native Plant
Veronica traversii
Veronica Traversii Native Plant ( Veronica traversii ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Venustula Native Plant
Veronica venustula
Veronica Venustula Native Plant ( Veronica venustula ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Veronica Vernicosa Native Plant
Veronica vernicosa
Veronica Vernicosa Native Plant ( Veronica vernicosa ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Viola Cunninghamii Native Plant
Viola cunninghamii
Viola Cunninghamii Native Plant ( Viola cunninghamii ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Wahlenbergia Pygmaea Native Plant
Wahlenbergia pygmaea
Wahlenbergia Pygmaea Native Plant ( Wahlenbergia pygmaea ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Wijkia Extenuata Native Plant
Wijkia extenuata
Wijkia Extenuata Native Plant ( Wijkia extenuata ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Zoopsis Nitida Native Plant
Zoopsis nitida
Zoopsis Nitida Native Plant ( Zoopsis nitida ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
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Zostera Capricorni Native Plant
Zostera capricorni
Zostera Capricorni Native Plant ( Zostera capricorni ) is a New Zealand native plant represented here with a sourced image, practical growing notes, habitat context, and conservation information.
Learn moreGrowing Native Flowers in Your Garden
Tips for Success with Native Flowers
Native flowering plants can add colour and interest to your garden while providing food for native birds and insects. Most prefer well-draining soil and a sunny position, though some forest species will appreciate partial shade. Consider the natural habitat of each species when planning your garden.