perennials - Just Arrived
In designing with plants, it is the perennials that ensure that there is constant change, and that there is always an element of surprise or interest in the garden.
Getting to know the dormant and flowering periods of the plants is essential to achieving the right balance in the design, so that as one perennial goes to sleep, another awakens.
Perennials, perhaps more than any other group of plants, are available in a huge range of colours, forms, textures and fragrances in both foliage and flower. There are perennials suitable for almost every area of the garden: from full sun to full shade, in large gardens or small beds and to suit every mood or style. Popular perennial plants include Penstemon, Gaura, Canna, Dahlias, Salvias, Lupins, Columbines, Lilies, Delphiniums and Hellebores - oh! the list is endless.
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A perennial plant (Latin per, "through", annum, "year") is a plant that lives for more than two years, unlike an Annual which grows, sets seed, gayly disperses it and then dies - all in a single season. Perennial plants are divided into two large groups: those that are woody and those that are herbaceous. They can be short-lived (only a few years) or they can be long-lived, and can vary in size from only a few millimeters to over 10 meters tall. They include a wide assortment of plant groups from Ferns to the highly diverse flowering plants like Orchids and Ornamental Grasses.
Perennials typically grow structures that allow them to adapt to living from one year to the next. These structures include bulbs, tubers, woody crowns, rhizomes plus others. They might have specialized stems or crowns that allow them to survive periods of dormancy over cold or dry seasons during the year. Many perennials have adapted to survive under extreme environmental conditions: some can survive hot dry conditions, or cold temperatures. These plants tend to invest a lot of resource into their adaptations and often do not flower and set seed until after a few years of growth.
Many perennials produce relatively large seeds, which can have an advantage as they produce larger seedlings after germination that can better compete with other plants or more quickly develop leaves, ensuring their survival.
In warmer climates, perennials grow continuously. In seasonal climates, their growth is limited to the growing season. For example, in temperate regions a perennial plant may grow and bloom during the warm part of the year, with the foliage dying back in the winter. These plants are deciduous perennials. Regrowth is from existing stem tissue. In some species, perennials retain their foliage all year round; these are evergreen perennials. Come in and take a look around. We've always got something pretty, perky and persuasive in the perennial line.
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aka Lily of the Nile
Dwarf. Ultra-miniature agapanthus growing to only 10 cm high which features classic pure white double blooms which appear above the foliage all summer and reaching just 20 cm in height. Great border plant, suitable for containers. Evergreen.
PVR:
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 10cm x 10cm
Agapanthus Agapetite
Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?
Container: 1.3l ?
$21.99
Agapanthus Agapetite
Expected Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
New stock expected Beginning of September, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price TBA. Payment on order.
aka Lily of the Nile
Dwarf, with fresh green strappy foliage topped off with gorgeous white flowers for months on end. The flowers are eco-friendly in that they are virtually sterile, i.e. seedless. For maximum impact plant in large drifts. Sun lovers. Evergreen.
Sterile variety.
PVR:
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 50cm
Agapanthus Finn
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$21.99
Agapanthus Finn
Current Stock Height: 25/30 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$29.99
aka Lily of the Nile
Here's something a little different - a variegated Agapanthus. Striking foliage of cream and green combines well with very pretty sky blue flowers. A sterile form that will not seed "willy-nilly". Forms a compact clump, looks great planted in groups of 3 or more. Summer flowering Evergreen.
PVR:
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): 15cm x 60cm
Agapanthus Thunderstorm
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 2l ?
$24.99
aka Pigsqueak
Attractive leathery large leaves and clusters of delicate flowers carried on upright spikes in winter to early spring. The flowers are enchanting, opening a crisp white and maturing to pale pink, creating drifts of pretty white to pale pink flowers displayed beautifully against contrasting foliage.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Semi-Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 50cm
Bergenia Marshmallow
Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$24.99
aka Red Tussock
A very striking plant for adding strong texture to the garden. Particularly affective when planted in groups. The narrow arching foliage glows and shimmers in the sun & ripples elegantly in the wind. Attractive flower heads in summer. Hardy and tolerant. Evergreen.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 1m x 1m
Chionochloa Rubra
Current Stock Height: 20/30 cm ?
Container: 2.4l ?
$26.99
aka Angel's Fishing Rod
Striking perennial which forms arching stems which hold nodding bell shaped rosy-purple flowers 4-6 cm long. Leaves are held in clumps and are long narrow and evergreen. Great for waterside plantings and back of a perennial border. Extremely hardy and tolerant of sunny sites.
Habit: Weeping
Mature Size (HxW): 100cm x 50cm
Dierama Pulcherrimum
Current Stock Height: 40/50 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$24.99
aka Angel's Fishing Rod
Striking perennial which forms arching stems which hold nodding bell shaped light pink flowers. Leaves are held in clumps and are long narrow and evergreen. Great for waterside plantings and back of a perennial border. Extremely hardy and tolerant of sunny sites. South African native.
Dierama Pulcherrimum Light Pink
Current Stock Height: 40/50 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
An earlier variety flowering tirelessly through winter and well into spring producing gorgeous rose red, outward facing blooms, held above the leaf. Use as a specimen or bulk plant as a wave in the shade under trees in a woodlands to add colour. Evergreen
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 60cm x 60cm
Helleborus Early Red
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.4l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
From the Ice N Roses collection Ice N Roses Rose hellebore will flower tirelessly through winter and well into spring producing gorgeous white, outward facing blooms, held above the leaf. These will look great providing gorgeous winter colour in your garden or patio containers. Evergreen
The flowers are large, the plant is floriferous and flowers over a long period.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 60cm x 100cm
Helleborus Ice N Roses White
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 2.4l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
This hellebore has a very distinctive marbled leaves. The lime green veins are striking against the dark green leaves. A mass of lime green flowers through the winter months when little else is flowering.
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 30cm
Helleborus Illumi Lime
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose. Lenten Rose
A lovely Helleborus with bi-coloured, large cupped flowers of pink and cream. Perfect for a shady spot under trees or in a container and is compact and evergreen. The foliage is marbled and adds to a stunning display as a specimen or bulk planted.
Likes free draining soil and a tidy after finished flowering removing spent flowers.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 50cm
Helleborus Magico
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
Winter Rose single. Marbled foliage all year round and in Late Winter, stems hold the white flowers above the foliage. It is free flowering producing a large collection of flowers on a single plant. Excellent for planting in the border or great for winter containers on the patio. Thrives in full sun or partial shade in any good, well drained soil. Perennial
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 45cm
Helleborus Mollys White
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
With an abundance of lovely white flowers of a large cup, this plant will `light up` any garden or container whether its planted under trees and shrubs or in a container in the shady. Deadhead after flowering to produce more flowers. Evergreen with a marbled foliage.
Prefers semi shade and a moist, humus rich soil that drains well .
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 50cm
Helleborus Moondance
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
This hellebore range from South Africa is really special. Compact low foliage with gorgeous blushed pink flowers held well aloft and outward facing. Look stunning in the garden, container, planted en-masse or as a table top adornment. Perennial.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 30cm
Helleborus Sophies Delight
Current Stock Height: 15/25 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$32.99
Beautiful deep reddish-purple flowers and marbled, deep green foliage forming a compact, tidy clump. Excellent for planting in the border or great for winter containers on the patio or planted in woodlands in bulk . Thrives in partial shade in any good, well drained soil. Perennial.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 40cm
Helleborus Vibey Velvet
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$32.99
aka Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
Winter Rose single. The exquisite single white blooms of this special Hellebore are delicately outlined with a maroon edge. Something special from the 'Clifton Homestead' collection to show off in the winter garden. Plant in semi-shade in nice humus rich soil that is well drained. Perennial.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 45cm x 45cm
Helleborus White Picotee
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1l ?
$14.99
Lavandula. Bred to be a compact plant with masses of flowers through the spring and summer. Striking silver foliage complimented with aromatic, pink flower heads. A neat, compact habit and low maintenance. Dry tolerant, easy to grow. Prune back by a third in late summer to maintain shape. Evergreen.
PVR:
Habit: Compact
Leaves: Evergreen, Light
Mature Size (HxW): 70cm x 70cm
Lavender Ghostly Princess
Expected Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
We are awaiting confirmation from our supplier for an expected delivery date. Express your interest by adding to your Waitlist.
aka Spanish Lavender
One of the most popular Lavenders sold in NZ and there's a good reason for that. The plump purple flower heads appear in abundance from early spring through to late summer. It performs well, looks good and clips well. Happiest in a sunny well drained spot. Evergreen.
Use for low hedges, container planting, topiary work or just plant amongst your other treasures in the mixed border. A great little Mediterranean lavender that seldom disappoints.
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Light
Mature Size (HxW): 60cm x 60cm
Lavender Major
Current Stock Height: 20/25 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
aka Australian Lavender
Lavandula. What a pretty little Princess this Australian bred lavender is with dark pink tufted blooms that appear from spring through to summer. Aromatic grey-green foliage combines well with the flowers. Loves the sun and good drainage and a cut back after flowering. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 70cm x 70cm
Lavender The Princess
Current Stock Height: 20/25 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$26.99
aka Chilian Iris or Snowy Mermaid
This is a hardy clump forming perennial with narrow flax-like dark green leaves. Tall spikes of white Iris-like flowers in spring. Likes sun or dappled light in well drained soil. Looks great planted en mass, as a border or amongst shrubs and perennials. Evergreen
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 70cm x 50cm
Libertia Formosa
Current Stock Height: 10/20 cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$26.99
aka Tractor Seat Ligularia
If you are looking for fabulous foliage then the leaves of the 'Tractor Seat' Ligularia are hard to beat. Large, glossy, green and textured, the leaves put on an outstanding display in a shady spot. Stems of yellow flowers in autumn-winter. Evergreen.
This plant is commonly known as Ligularia but is more correctly called Farfugium japonicum var giganteum
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): Spreading
Ligularia Reniformis
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$26.99
Ligularia Reniformis
Expected Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
New stock expected Middle of August, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $29.99. Payment on order.
This variegated grass-like perennial Lomandra is beautiful and soft with small yellow flowers from September to April. The light coloured foliage provides great contrast in the garden. Handles full sun but prefers light to moderate shade. Tolerant of drought and frost. Evergreen
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Lomandra Arctic Frost
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2l ?
$24.99
Lomandra Arctic Frost
Current Stock Height: 30/40 cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$26.99
Lomandra Arctic Frost
New stock expected Middle of August, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $44.99. Payment on order.
aka Rosemary
A fabulous new version of an old favourite. An upright Rosemary that grows into a pillar or column. Softest blue, large flowers appear from April through to October with the main flowering in September. Loves a well drained sunny position. Clips well. Evergreen.
Habit: Columnar
Leaves: Evergreen, Blue
Mature Size (HxW): 1.5m x 0.5m
Rosmarinus September Blue
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: