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A small evergreen shrub with dainty foliage and masses of deep-pink flowers that blossom from autumn to spring. It's perfect for mass planting under larger shrubs and trees. It prefers well drain soils and full sun to partial shade position.

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aka Heartleaf Saxifrage

Attractive large heart shaped leaves with a crinkly edge are topped off with stems of bright pink flowers in late winter and spring. Excellent ground-cover for sun or semi-shade. Hardy, reliable and semi-evergreen.

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aka Large Leafed Box or Wintergreen Boxwood

This form of Box has a larger leaf than many other varieties hence the name macro = large and phylla = leaf. The glossy green foliage looks good all year round and is particularly attractive in spring. Easy to grow in sun or part shade. Clips well, Evergreen

The perfect little shrub for low formal hedges or topiary work. Equally this Buxus looks good as a stand alone shrub to add substance to the border.

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aka Bottlebrush

This little Bottlebrush has a naturally cascading habit and is ideal for cascading over walls and banks. The green foliage has attractive new red shoots and in spring the whole bush is a mass of bright red 'brush' flowers. Likes the sun and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

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aka Bottlebrush

A robust and easy to grow evergreen shrub with stiff green foliage. Masses of crimson 'bottle-brushes' appear at the end of each branch from spring through to autumn. Loved by the birds and the bees. Likes a warm position with protection from harsh frost but generally undemanding.

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aka Bottlebrush

Bottle Brush. A spreading low growing form of this popular Australian shrub. During the summer it smothers itself with bright red 'bottle brush' flowers that are tinged with gold. Loves hot dry areas and happy on the coast. Quite drought tolerant once established. Evergreen.

Members of the Callistemon family or 'Bottle Brush' as they are commonly known do not like too much fertilizer. The safest way to give them some nutrients is with a slow release product but remember in this case 'less is more'.

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aka Canna

Dwarf Canna. Enjoy the rich, deep red blossoms and dramatic burgundy foliage of Canna Bronze Scarlet all season. Although Bronze Scarlet is a tropical plant, this cultivar is easy to grow in most areas as long as it can enjoy at least 6-8 hours average sunlight during the summer.

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aka Canna

A dwarf form of the tropical looking Canna that has large fiery red flowers and fresh green, lush foliage. Perfect for mass planting for summer colour or if you wish will happily grow in a container. Loves a hot sunny position that does not dry out completely. Winter dormant perennial.

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aka Canna

A dwarf form of the tropical looking Canna that has large rose pink flowers that bloom all summer. Leaves are large, lush green and arching. Does best in hot and humid conditions. Suitable for gardens, containers and shallow water gardens. Winter Dormant perennial.

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aka Canna

A dwarf form of the tropical looking Canna that has large crisp white flowers and fresh green, lush foliage. Perfect for mass planting for summer colour or if you wish will happily grow in a container. Loves a hot sunny position that does not dry out completely. Winter dormant perennial.

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aka Canna

A dwarf form of the tropical looking Canna that has large speckled yellow flowers that make a bright contrast with its verdant green foliage. Suitable for a container or would look lovely mass planted in the garden

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aka Californian Lilac

A hardy sun-loving ground cover with rich blue pin-cushion type flowers that literally cover the plant. Prefers a sunny site in soil with good drainage. Tolerates some coastal exposure. Trim after flowering to retain density. Evergreen.

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aka NSW Christmas Bush

This Aussie native is a tidy, upright small leaved shrub or small tree which has a vivid flowering display, usually coinciding with Christmas. Masses of creamy white panicles smother the tree changing through pink and flame to brilliant red. Grows well in container. Likes well drained sandy loam soil in a sunny, frost free position. Evergreen

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aka Mexican Orange Blossom

A top rated performance plant for multiple planting, filling in a background or can be used as a low hedge. Glossy deep green leaves are offset by aromatic clusters of white flowers late winter through spring. Hardy and easy to grow in sun or light shade. Evergreen.

The name Mexican Orange Blossom describes the look of the white flowers rather than the perfume as the flowers of this useful shrub are aromatic rather than sweetly perfumed.

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aka Red Kaka Beak

The red native Kaka Beak is a fast growing semi-evergreen shrub with fern-like leaves that decorate the arching branches. In spring and summer suspended clusters of large 'parrot beak' shaped flowers in bright red appear. The nectar filled blooms are loved by birds. Protect from harsh frost.

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aka Bush Morning Glory

Morning Glory Bush. One of the best silver foliage shrubs available. Looks fabulous planted in a group. Pure white open trumpet flowers produced en masse from summer through to autumn. As with most grey foliage plants happiest in sunny position with good drainage. Evergreen.

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aka Mirror Bush

Coprosma Repens Ignite. Brilliant red variegated foliage in the summer deepens to deep red and burgundy in the winter. A hardy small shrub which will look great in any garden situation. Evergreen. PVR

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aka Mirror Plant

Native. Set your garden on fire with this outstanding foliage shrub. The rich deep orange, red and pink hues of the summer foliage deepen to deep red for the winter. Very striking. Easy to grow in sun or part shade but best protected from harsh frost. Evergreen. PVR.

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aka Mirror Plant

An attractive NZ Native, foliage shrub with small glossy leaves in shades of lemon, lime and green. The colour will intensify in winter. Use as a back-ground plant or for hedging. Easy to grow in most conditions but needs protection from harsh frost. Evergreen. PVR SHM252.

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aka Italian Cypress Aka Pencil Pine

A useful, upright, slender conifer that can be used to create vertical accents in planting schemes or containers. Dark green thread-like foliage that forms a column and tapers to a point. Must have good drainage and likes deeply worked soil and a sunny spot. Evergreen.

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aka Kangaroo Lobelia

A fast spreading groundcover from Australia that has masses of small violet blue flowers which smother the green foliage in spring. Can be used to drape over containers or to fill a hanging basket. Likes well drained soil and sun or part shade. Protect from harsh frost. Perennial.

This plant will spread by suckering vigorously so if you are planting in the ground be aware that it will spread which in my opinion is a good thing as it looks so good in full flower.

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aka Blueberry, Flax Lily, Turutu

NZ Blueberry. A lovely native perennial that has green sword like foliage that forms a clump. In summer dainty stems of pale blue flowers appear, these are followed by the main act which is the display of blue berries. Happiest in dappled light but will tolerate some sun. Evergreen.

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aka Dichroa

This evergreen relative of the Hydrangea has the most gorgeous large rounded heads of bright blue flowers which make a real show. Prefers a semi-shaded spot in soil that does not dry out completely in summer. Protect from harsh frost. Evergreen.

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aka Native Begonia, Parataniwha

Native. This shade loving herbaceous ground cover also loves the damp. Found at the base of waterfalls and along streams and gullies so plant where consistent moisture is available. Filtered light will bring out the bronze tones but full shade is enjoyed by this lovely native perennial. Looks great co planted with ferns. Evergreen.

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aka Erica or Heath

A very showy little shrub with bright cerise bell shaped blooms that brighten up the garden from winter through to spring. A vigorous grower with needles of dark green foliage. Loves the sun and well drained acid soil. Avoid Lime. Trim after flowering. Evergreen. RHS AGM.

Named after Kurt Kramer of Germany not Seinfield's friend!

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aka Mountain Heath

A tough and hardy little shrub with needles of green foliage. In winter through to spring delightful little white flowers do their best to smother the foliage. Low spreading habit. Trim after flowering. Plant in a sunny well drained spot, preferably in acid soil. Avoid Lime. Evergreen.

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aka Fuchsia

A New Zealand native fuchsia that has the sweetest small but perfect fuchsia flowers followed by the most amazing large red berries. A groundcover plant that is best suited to a moist and semi shade to shaded position. Easily grown.

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aka Cape Jasmine

The heady perfume of this deliciously fragrant evergreen shrub makes it a winner for planting near a window or doorway. Bright glossy dark green leaves, pure white double rosettes of fragrance in early summer. Plant in a warm, frost free position. Feed regularly for best results.

Gardenias will grow happily in a pot as long as they are fed and watered regularly. They are gross feeders and respond well to regular liquid feeding. They can take a little sun but in NZ they are best protected from the hot afternoon sun.

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aka Grevillea

Evergreen shrub with bright red flowers and glossy green foliage. Ideal for attracting birds into the garden. Plant in a sunny well drained position. Light pruning will help to maintain the shape of the shrub. Evergreen.

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aka Grevillea

Pink Miget has a wonderful dense compact habit which is low and wide. This grevillea gives a continuous production of delightfull pink flowers. Moderate frost tolerance, Prefers regular watering for continual bloom. Evergreen. PVR

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aka Kapuka

Native. This is a fabulous evergreen shrub that really comes into its own when used as a hedge. Gorgeous green polished leathery leaves, a tidy well groomed appearance and a tolerance for just about any conditions including coastal make this an invaluable landscaping plant. Clips well.

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aka Kapuka

Native. A selected form of the ever popular Griselinia. Gorgeous, broad, glossy green foliage with attractive wavy margins. Ideal background shrub but at its best when used as a hedge. Tolerant of just about any planting conditions including coastal. Very tidy and well groomed. Evergreen.

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A small, round, evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves and white flowers at the end of the branches. Frost hardy and good for all climates. Useful for shrubberies and for creating a low, flowering, informal hedge. Grows in any soil and needs little trimming being naturally tidy. Evergreen

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aka Mophead Hydrangea or Alpen Glow

Large hot pink to purple 'Mophead' flowers appear from summer to autumn offset by glossy green foliage. Plant in morning sun or semi-shade in soil that does not completely dry out in summer. Colour may vary depending on soil type. Deciduous.

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aka Mophead Hydrangea

Mophead. One of our favourite Hydrangeas. Gorgeous large white flower heads that open from soft lime green buds. Lovely to pick. Best planted in dappled light in soil that does not completely dry out in summer. Deciduous.

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aka Miniature Hydrangea

A unique little Hydrangea that is slow growing and very compact. The rich pink flower heads sit amongst lush green foliage that forms a tight mound. Perfect for the front of the border, or containers. Tolerant and easy to grow. Side dress with Lime to maintain the pink tones. Deciduous.

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aka Rewarewa

This handsome evergreen native forms a slender, erect tapering tree with deep green leaves that have saw-toothed margins. In spring, reddish bottle-brush like flowers appear which provide a nectar feast for native birds. Grows well in average soil in sun or part shade. Avoid harsh frost.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Native. One of the best varieties for pot growing. Large, soft double pink flowering manuka. The bushy growth makes it perfect for a spectacular hedge, or just as at home as a specimen in the garden. Prune lightly after flowers for best shape.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Native. Expect a spectacular spring display from this hardy little shrub that has fully double candy-striped flowers in shades of pink and red. Dark green aromatic foliage. Easy to grow in a sunny spot. Evergreen.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Outstanding shrub for all seasons, magnificent when in full bloom. Rich pink to red flowers are single in form and appear abundantly from late winter through spring. A fine choice for individual or mass planting. Try also in containers for patio decor. Evergreen

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Native. AKA Tea Tree. This dwarf form of Tea Tree has single white, pink-flushed flowers with a dark eye that appear during spring. Upright growth habit and very free flowering, tolerating most soil types and conditions. Evergreen.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

A lovely little form of Tea Tree that has masses of flowers in spring through to autumn in tones of pink and dark pink. The small stiff leaves are in bronze green tones set on cascading branches making this a most attractive plant to tumble over banks and walls. Loves the sun. Hardy and evergreen.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Native. A lovely little tree that will delight with masses of double white flowers in winter and spring. The flowers have a maroon centre and will be much loved by bees. Aromatic dark green foliage with bronze tones. Plant in the sun, tolerant, hardy and evergreen. Suitable for coastal gardens.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Native. Manuka AKA Tea Tree. Small, bright red double flowers open from tight buds in winter bringing some much needed colour to the garden. Neat and tidy green foliage, hardy and easy to grow. Prefers a sunny spot and a little trim after flowering. Evergreen.

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aka Manuka or Tea Tree

Native. Manuka AKA Tea Tree. Attractive evergreen shrub with showy double white ruffled blooms in autumn and spring. Dainty fresh green foliage and a neat and tidy habit. From the breeding programme at the Manurewa Botanic Gardens. Happiest in the sun.

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aka Fringe Flower

An attractive and easy care shrub with arching branches of deep burgundy wine foliage. In spring and summer dark pink 'fringed' flowers appear and these carry a pleasant fragrance. Easy to grow in sun or part shade, prefers well drained soil. Provides a nice contrast to green. Evergreen.

AKA 'The Fringe Flower' Loropetalum is in the same family as 'Witch Hazel'. It has quite a broad habit but responds well to trimming if you wish the shrub to have a more rounded shape.

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aka Dwarf Tahitian Pohutukawa

A wonderful little compact shrub with attractive silver-green foliage. Bright red 'pohutukawa' flowers appear throughout the year and peak in the winter months just when the garden needs a little cheering up. Tolerant of hot dry conditions, including coastal, but does not like harsh frost. Evergreen

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aka Japanese Spurge

A selected form of this hardy ground-cover which grows particularly well in shade. Glossy green foliage with a 'serrated' edge on fleshy stems. Little white fragrant flowers in spring. Most attractive when allowed to form a thick mat of foliage. Hardy and evergreen.

Pachysandra will grow in sun but will need to be keep moist to do well. As it is an invaluable plant for shaded spots with is where it does best.

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aka Veronica

Native. A pretty free flowering little shrub with dainty evergreen foliage and myriads of little white blooms with a hint of lavender in the centre that will delight from spring to summer. Plant in a sunny spot with humus rich soil that doesn't completely dry out. Protect from harsh frost. Evergreen.

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aka Matai or Black Pine

Native-Matai . A magnificent growing forest tree with dark bark and narrow dark green feathery foliage. The female tree has bright red berries that appear after flowering and these are a favourite food of the Kereru. Plant in a semi-shaded spot in humus rich soil. Hardy and evergreen.

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aka Peppercorn Tree

An excellent choice for large parks or play areas, in courtyards or along long broad driveways. The trunk will become gnarled and fabulously interesting with age. The foliage is bright green and comprised of many narrow leaflets. The flowers are insignificant but the papery pink to red berries are wonderfully ornamental in autumn and winter. Evergreen

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aka Coastal Kowhai

Native. Commonly known as Coastal Kowhai which immediately gives you a clue to this plants natural habitat i.e. coastal forests. Dark green foliage and bright yellow, fragrant flowers from late winter to spring. Will grow in sun or part shade. Semi-evergreen.

This form of Kowhai should be evergreen but occasionally when the weather is extreme it may drop some foliage.

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aka Chilean Kowhai

Chilean Kowhai. A very close relation of our native Kowhai this gorgeous tree from Chile is a multi-award winner. The dark green glossy fern like foliage is decorated with fat waxy bells of golden yellow in spring. The flowers are full of nectar that birds love. Evergreen. PVR 2453.

Plant your 'Sun King' in a sunny well drained spot and if possible protect from really harsh frost. This lovely tree will bring a graceful look to any planting scheme. Perhaps proof that NZ was once part of Gondwanaland.

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aka Lambs Ear

Stachys lanata is better known as Lamb's Ear, this silver, woolly leaved plant makes great ground cover. Furry spikes carrying small purple flowers are produced in the middle of summer. Well drained soil reduces rotting of hairy leaves, and loves full sun or some shade.

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aka Rock Heath Myrtle

A delightful little evergreen shrub from Australia that has graceful slender stems with tiny narrow foliage. In late winter masses of dainty white flowers put on quite a show for several months. Benefits from a fairly hard trim after flowering. Plant in deep acid soil, avoid lime and harsh frost.

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aka Rock Heath Myrtle

A delightful little evergreen shrub from Australia that has graceful slender stems with tiny narrow foliage. In late winter masses of dainty pink flowers put on quite a show for several months. Benefits from a fairly hard trim after flowering. Plant in deep acid soil, avoid lime and harsh frost.

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aka Golden Thyme

Highly aromatic small yellow leaves that can be used to flavour meat or vegetable dishes. Dainty white to mauve flowers appear in summer and should be removed after flowering. Hardy and easy to grow in a sunny well drained spot. Evergreen.

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aka Carpet or Creeping Thyme

This is the perfect Thyme to use as a tough aromatic ground-cover. Little dark green leaves and tiny crimson pink flowers in summer. Hardy and easy to grow. Benefits from a light trim every now and then. Evergreen.

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aka Woolly Thyme

The best known name for this garden Thyme is Woolly Thyme which relates to the tiny, hairy, grey leaves which form a dense carpet. While not suitable for culinary purposes it is very useful as a ground-cover or for draping over walls and banks. Evergreen.

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aka Silver Queen Thyme

This pretty little Thyme is usually grown more as an ornamental than a herb because of its attractive, dainty, silver-green leaves that are edged with white. Lilac flowers in summer. Highly aromatic. Plant in sunny well drained spot. Evergreen.

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A hooked sedge that forms dense mounds of red, or reddish-brown, arching leaves. The flowers form a simple spike, with male flowers on top and female flowers below. Ideal for containers on the deck, rockeries or in mass landscaping. Likes to be moist but free draining. Evergreen.

Commonly is found in grasslands, open scrubland and bogs in New Zealand.

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aka David Viburnum

This little shrub forms a wide-spreading compact mound. The dark green leathery leaves that have a pale under-side. Small creamy white flowers in spring are followed by beautiful blue berries that hold through winter - the main feature! Needs male company to produce berries. Evergreen.

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A semi dwarf coastal variety of rosemary that forms a natural "box" shape and is native to Australia. Westringia Grey box provides great colour contrast with grey foliage and white flowers. Great as a hedge or left unpruned in its natural ball shape. A great drought tolerant alternative to English Box.PVR.WES04