Phoenix roebelenii

Dwarf Date Palm

This delightful little palm is a favourite landscape item and is widely grown. It enjoys a warm frost-free environment away from strong winds and though it will tolerate full sun, it will do better if a little shade is available. Likes good drainage. Makes an ideal pot plant for indoors or outside in the appropriate spot. Slow growing but with it's small stature and delicate lacy appearance, make it an easy care palm that everyone can enjoy.

2.5m x 1.5m

Vireya Rhododendrons

Hybrid Cultivars

These are some of the toughest plants in existence being hardy to a variety of different conditions. They will do best in filtered light, away from strong winds and in well drained soils. Plant into the garden in numbers or as a feature  in pots. Many colours and varieties available.

Various sizes from 0.5m to 2m

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hybrid Cultivars

Truly spectacular flowering shrubs, Hibiscus provide a dazzling display of colour and are outstanding shrubs for sub-tropical plantings. New hybrid cultivars are being released each year and all respond well to a moist, humus rich soil that is free draining. They are only half-hardy and need protection from heavy frosts and strong cold winds. Plant in a sunny, north facing position in the garden and ensure plenty of summer moisture. Most will tolerate heavy pruning after flowering to maintain a compact shape. The large dramatic flowers can be single, semi or double and come in a variety of colours.

1.5m x 1.5m

Tecomanthe speciosa

Three King's Climber

This attractive NZ native climber is one of the rarest plants in the world being discovered in 1946 with one sole survivor. A vigorous climber with large handsome, dark-green, glossy leaves, it originates on the Three Kings Islands and is highly threatened in the wild. Thankfully, it is common in gardens and is very easy to grow providing you give it protection from frost. Plant in moist, well drained soil, rich in compost. Creamy-white are borne in bunches during autumn and winter and are popular with tuis. Is a great addition to any garden and can be grown by the coast also.

4m x 4m

Clivia miniata

Kaffir Lily

A superb evergreen perennial that is both well suited to mass planting beneath mature trees and also as a container specimen. The dark green strap like foliage adds a touch of tropical drama to the garden and the showy trumpet shaped flowers come in shades of orange.

0.6m x 0.6m

Clivia gardenii

Kaffir Lily

Similar to the more common Clivia in leaf, this species differs by way of the slightly nodding orange and green flowers. This evergreen perennialis also well suited to mass planting beneath mature trees where the dark green strap like foliage adds a dramatic touch

0.6m x 0.6m

Rhopalostylis baueri

Kermadec Island Nikau Palm

This New Zealand native palm is found on the Kermadec Islands. It is faster growing than the mainland form of Nikau and has broader fronds with a more pronounced graceful arch. Found in shady forests in the wild, it prefers a shady sheltered site to prevent damage to the fronds. More tolerant of higher light levels than the mainland Nikau. Windy sites will cause the tips of fronds to burn off - ideally plant in a sheltered site to maintain lush, dark green fronds. Needs a rich, deeply worked soil that is moist, yet free draining - mulch yearly. Looks best planted in groves in a sheltered position.

7m x 3m

Ligularia reniformis

Tractor Seat Ligularia

This amazing foliage plant is highly sought after - and what a beauty! The huge glossy, deep-green leaves make a real statement in the garden, especially when planted alongside contrasting foliage plants. The attractive foliage is not the only feature of this multipurpose landscaping plant - in summer the plant is topped with bright yellow daisy-like clusters of flowers. It is best planted in a part-shade position and thrives in a rich, moist soil that is well drained. Mulch well over summer to conserve soil moisture. Makes a great addition to the modern and subtropical styled gardens.

1m x 1m

Loropetalum chinese

'China Pink'

Chinese Fringe Flower

A great multi-featured garden plant that suits a wide-range of garden styles from low maintenance to cottage garden to sub-tropical splendour. With a layered structure of deep purple foliage that is complemented by the vibrant, bubble-gum pink, witchhazel type flowers produced over a long season.

2m x 1.5m

Strelitzia reginae

Bird of Paradise Flower

This plant is easily recognised when in flower and is a popular clump-forming perennial that is widely grown. Give it room to spread and show off the smart deep green paddle-like leaves and the spectacular orange flowers with blue petals that are produced abundantly from mature plants. It makes an excellent choice for the subtropical garden where it makes a strong impact and is often used in glazed pots as a feature plant. Being frost tender, ensure that is given some protection. Plant in a rich soil with plenty of compost and ensure the site is well-drained. Popular in floral arrangements also.

2m x 2m

Pieris japonica

Lily of the Valley Shrub

This hardy, low maintenance plant has been a long-time favourite with landscapers. With masses of creamy white, nodding bell-shaped flowers occuring in spring and early summer, this plant has great looking foliage too. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions and extremely hardy. Try planting in mass to make a stunning display in spring.

1.5m x 1.5m

Rhopalostylis sapida

Little Barrier Island Nikau Palm

This New Zealand native palm is found on the isolated Little Barrier Island. It is faster growing than the mainland form of Nikau and has broader fronds and a slightly denser habit. Found in shady forests in the wild, it prefers a shady sheltered site to prevent damage to the fronds. More tolerant of higher light levels than the mainland Nikau and thought to be more tolerant to exposed conditions. Windy sites will burn the tips of fronds - ideally plant in a sheltered site to maintain lush, dark green fronds. Needs a rich, deeply worked soil that is moist, yet free draining - mulch yearly.

7m x 3m

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'

Tanika Mat Rush

This Australian grass is a highly ornamental and tough landscaping favourite. It is a dwarf form of the original Lomandra longifolia and will grow to a height of 60cm. The light-green, lime-coloured leaves are very fine and narrow and weep slightly. Over the warm summer months, small creamy-yellow flowers are borne amongst the foliage leaves. Being very hardy it will handle almost any situation and makes a great low-maintenance plant, that is equally at home in the garden border or mass planted to great effect.

0.6m x 0.7m

Cycas revoluta

Sago Palm

This unique plant resembles a palm tree but is actually a cycad. This plant is the most popular of cycad available and with it's very symmetrical shape it is a highly attractive plant. The thick shaggy trunk supports a crown of shiny dark green leaves. New fronds are produced twice a year and are soft when opening, but gradually harden into their permanent shape. Good drainage needed and fertilise regularly.

3m x 2.5m

Astelia chathamica

'Silver Spear'

This NZ native forms a showy clump of stiffly arched, broad leaves silver-green colour on the upper surface and silver underneath. It prefers a moist, but well drained average soil and will tolerate dry and coastal conditions. It is also tolerant of both wind and frost. This plant has a low water requirement once established and can tolerate quite dry conditions. The most popular Astelia due to its size, it can be used to stunning effect for mass planting or general garden planting.

1.8m x 1.8m

Astelia nervosa

'Westland'

This NZ native forms a small clump of stiffly arched ornamental foliage with an attractive grey-purple to red colouration - the best of the coloured Astelia forms. 'Westland' is well suited to tolerate Auckland's warm, humid climate. It prefers a moist, but well drained average soil and is tolerant of both wind and frost - also suitable for coastal conditions. This plant has a low water requirement once established. For best foliage colour, be sure to plant it in full sun though it will tolerate some part shade. Trim away old foliage when needed at any time.

0.8m x 0.8m