Native Flowering Plants of New Zealand | NZ Native Plants

Mount Cook Lily - New Zealand's largest buttercup with spectacular white flowers

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

Ourisia Macrophylla

Large-leaved Ourisia

Ourisia macrophylla

Large-leaved Ourisia is fast-growing with notable restoration use; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Ranunculus Lyallii

Mount Cook Lily

Ranunculus lyallii

Mount Cook Lily is wind-hardy with notable nectar for wildlife; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Raoulia Eximia

Large Mountain Daisy

Raoulia eximia

Large Mountain Daisy is bird-attracting with notable nectar for wildlife; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Scleranthus Uniflorus

Cushion Plant

Scleranthus uniflorus

Cushion Plant is resilient with notable shelter value; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Sophora Fulvida

West Coast Kōwhai

Sophora fulvida

West Coast Kōwhai is bird-attracting with notable restoration use; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Sophora Prostrata

Prostrate Kōwhai

Sophora prostrata

Prostrate Kōwhai is wind-hardy with notable evergreen foliage; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Sophora Tetraptera

North Island Kōwhai

Sophora tetraptera

North Island Kōwhai is fast-growing with notable timber value; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Fuchsia Excorticata

Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata

Tree Fuchsia is fast-growing with notable evergreen foliage; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Fuchsia Procumbens

Trailing Fuchsia

Fuchsia procumbens

Trailing Fuchsia is fast-growing with notable shelter value; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Epilobium Glabellum

Smooth Willow Herb

Epilobium glabellum

Smooth Willow Herb is fast-growing with notable restoration use; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Euphorbia Glauca

Shore Spurge

Euphorbia glauca

Shore Spurge is fast-growing with notable restoration use; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Geranium Traversii

Chatham Island Geranium

Geranium traversii

Chatham Island Geranium is coastal-tolerant with notable evergreen foliage; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Gunnera Hamiltonii

Hamilton's Gunnera

Gunnera hamiltonii

Hamilton's Gunnera is resilient with notable shelter value; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Gunnera Monoica

Small Gunnera

Gunnera monoica

Small Gunnera is wind-hardy with notable restoration use; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Mazus Radicans

Swamp Musk

Mazus radicans

Swamp Musk is bird-attracting with notable evergreen foliage; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Arthropodium Cirratum

Renga Lily

Arthropodium cirratum

Renga Lily is fast-growing with notable shelter value; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Tūrutu (Dianella nigra)

Tūrutu

Dianella nigra

Tūrutu is fast-growing with notable restoration use; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Large-flowered NZ Iris (Libertia grandiflora)

Large-flowered NZ Iris

Libertia grandiflora

Large-flowered NZ Iris is wind-hardy with notable nectar for wildlife; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Yellow-seeded NZ Iris (Libertia ixioides)

Yellow-seeded NZ Iris

Libertia ixioides

Yellow-seeded NZ Iris is resilient with notable evergreen foliage; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

Abrotanella Pusilla

Small Cushion Daisy

Abrotanella pusilla

Compact alpine cushion daisy forming dense mats.

Abrotanella Pusilla

Fertile Cushion Daisy

Abrotanella pusilla

Compact alpine cushion daisy forming dense mats - Fertile Mat Daisy profile.

Tiny Mat Daisy

Tiny Mat Daisy

Abrotanella pusilla

Compact alpine cushion daisy forming dense mats - Tiny Mat Daisy profile.

Growing 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.