Chamaecyparis boulevard

This is an attractive, semi-dwarf, evergreen conifer with a dense, upright and broadly pyramidal growth habit. It is a conical grower with soft, silvery blue-green awl-shaped leaves which are not prickly but curve nicely to a fine point along the compact branches.

Cordyline australis (ti kouka, cabbage tree)

One of the most identifiable New Zealand native plants in the landcape. It has a tall straight trunk or trunks and a dense round head, with a sphere of long narrow leaves. Cabbage tree produces a profusion of attractive and scented flowers in spring. It is an abundant seeder. It looks most natural in the ornamental garden if planted in groups. Three or more plants can be planted together in the same hole to produce this effect. It grows in all soils and situations, even in swampy ground, where little else of interest will grow.

Habitat: Widespread and common from coastal to montane forest. Most commonly encountered on alluvial terraces within riparian forest.

Flowering: October to December
Fruiting:    January to April [Fruit: White]

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (akeake)

Ornamental small bushy erect tree. Attractive brown flaky bark. The long shining leaves are purple-red, intensifying in colour in winter. The seed capsule is most attractive in the autumn. Wind resistant, and grows in coastal sites. Good for shelter in light sandy soils. Very hardy for establishing in difficult soil.

Dodonaea viscosa (akeake)

Ornamental small bushy erect tree. Attractive brown flaky bark. The long shining leaves are bright green and dense on erect branches. The seed capsule is most attractive in the autumn. Wind resistant, and grows in coastal sites. Good for shelter in light sandy soils.

Habitat: Coastal to lowland forest, occupying a range of habitats from dunefields and boulder beaches through coastal scrub to lowland forest. Rarely forming a dominant tree in coastal forest.

Flowering: August - November
Fruiting: November - April [Fruit: Yellow-winged]

Discaria toumatou (matagouri) [Out of Stock]

A divaricating shrub that grows to small tree size in the wild. Flowers are white and inconspicuous, but sweetly fragrant. Nitrogen-fixer. Common in dry shrublands of the eastern South Island.

Habitat: Found in dry riverbeds, open rocky places and sand dunes from coastal to subalpine.

Flowering: October - January
Fruiting:    December - March [Fruit: Orange]

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (kahikatea, white pine)

The tallest growing native tree, featuring handsome mature foliage and attractive buttressed roots. Best planted in moist to wet situations. The main tree species in Riccarton Bush. Edible fruit/seed from February to April is attractive to birds. Evergreen. Intolerant of heavy frosts.

Habitat: Lowland forest, formerly dominant on frequently flooded, and/or poorly drained alluvial soils. Occasionally extends into lower montane forest. Once the dominant tree of a distinct swamp forest type all but extinct in the North Island - the best examples remain on the West Coast of the South Island.

Flowering: October - January
Fruiting:    February - April [Fruit: Red]

Fuchsia excorticata (kotukutuku, tree fuchsia)

Also known as Kotukutuku, Tree Fuchsia, and New Zealand Fuchsia. Native to New Zealand and considered to be the worlds largest fuchsia. Attractive, small flowers begin to appear in mid spring. They are greenish-yellow then turn purple-red. followed by dark purple berries that are edible and tasting similar to tamarillo. Plant in full sun or partial shade, hardy, semi-deciduous to deciduous.

Habitat: Found in lowland and montane forests, especially along forest margins and streamsides where the soil is damp.

Flowering: August to December
Fruiting: December to March [Fruit: Purple]

Fuscospora fusca (tawhai raunui, red beech)

Handsome specimen and timber tree. Young trees have bright-red foliage during winter. Rapid early growth. Strong durable red wood. Can clip to a formal hedge. Suits a cool, moist, sheltered site with deep, well-drained soil. Evergreen.

Habitat: Found in lowland and montane forests.

Flowering: September to December
Fruiting: 

Fuscospora solandri (tawhai rauriki, black beech) [Out of Stock]

Tall, attractive tree with black bark and tough leathery leaves. Wind-hardier than other beeches. Suits moderately fertile, well-drained soils at low altitude in drier eastern areas. Evergreen.

Habitat: Lowland to montane forest. At times the canopy dominant and forming its own distinctive forest type.

Flowering: September to December
Fruiting: 

Fuscospora cliffortioides (tewhai rauriki, mountain beech) [Out of Stock]

Graceful medium sized tree, smaller and slower than Black Beech and with a finer leaf. Tolerates hard, infertile, poorly-drained sites in alpine areas.

Habitat: Found in montane and subalpine forest and subalpine scrub. Often forming a dense, almost monospecific forest especially along the drier eastern side of the South Island.

Flowering: November to January
Fruiting:    February to April

Griselinia littoralis 'Broardway Mint'

This broadleaf, native hybrid is a must for any garden that needs a screen, private area, wind protection or just an attractive evergreen plant with glossy deep green slightly wavy edged leaves. It is quick to establish itself and requires little maintenance or attention to thrive. It can be planted in sun or shade and in moist free draining soils.

Griselinia littoralis (kapuka, broadleaf) [Out of Stock]

Small, round-headed tree with light-green leathery leaves. Excellent for hedging or shelter. Withstands drought and coastal conditions. Trim in summer.

Habitat: Found in lowland forests to subalpine scrub.

Flowering: October to December
Fruiting:    December to August [Fruit: Purple]

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury'

A dependable, quick-growing shrub forming a dense, attractive hedge. ‘Canterbury’ is known for its’ attractive dark red stems and finer rich-green foliage.

Hoheria angustifolia (houhere, narrow-leaved lacebark)

Narrow-Leaved Lacebark. A slender tree reaching 6m. White flowers in summer and fruits in autumn.

Habitat: A common mostly lowland forest species frequenting alluvial forest where it may at times be dominant. Hoheria angustifolia is often an important host for taapia (Tupeia antarctica).

Flowering: December to February
Fruiting:    February to April [Fruit: Yellow-winged]

Sophora tetraptera (north island kowhai)

Commonly known as the kowhai or large-leaved kowhai that grows naturally only in the central east of the North Island. It has larger, more widely spaced leaves than other species. It is a great specimen to provide some contrast in a strictly native garden with its early abundance of yellow flowers in early spring which are a favourite food of the Tui and other bird life. Frost tender when young,

Sophora microphylla (small-leaved kowhai)

A small-leaved kowhai which often goes through a tangled juvenile stage. There are many varying forms, some taking many years to flower. Suitable for planting as a shade tree.

Habitat: In the North Island, especially the northern half this is a species of mainly riparian forest. South of about Hamilton it can be found in a diverse range of habitats from coastal cliff faces and associated wetlands to inland grey scrub communities.

Flowering: August to October
Fruiting: October to May

Kunzea ericoides (kanuka)

Kanuka is a fast growing tree found throughout the north of the South Island. The leaves are softer to touch than Manuka and has smaller white flowers in Summer. It is very hardy, tolerating drought, frosts and poor soils. It is a primary colonising plant and used for revegetation as a nurse plant. Both manuka and kanuka are used as a nurse crop with other early colonizing plants for revegetation / restoration planting and are also very effective in erosion control.

Habitat: Coastal to lowland shrubland, regenerating forest and forest margins, also present in montane forest, ultramafic shrubland and very occasionally present in subalpine shrubland.

Flowering: October to February
Fruiting:    November to March

Kunzea robusta (kanuka)

Widespread, common tree of North and South Islands. Bark usually basally detached long leathery strips. Branches bearing masses of green leaves and clusters of small white flowers.

Habitat: Coastal to lowland shrubland, regenerating forest and forest margins, also present in montane forest, ultramafic shrubland and very occasionally present in subalpine shrubland (up to 900 m a.s.l.).

Flowering: August to June
Fruiting:   July to May

Kunzea serotina (kanuka) [Out of Stock]

The Kunzea serotina and other Kunzea species are not grazed by any livestock or browsing animal. This makes them good to plant in areas where livestock is currently grazed but more regeneration needs to occur for a proper revegetation programme. As the Kanuka become established, they provide a canopy for more tender or slow-growing species. 

Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand, Kunzea serotina is found on the lower portions of the Canterbury plains, whereas K. robusta is on the hills such as the Port Hills and Foothill regions.

Flowering: November to May
Fruiting: 

Olearia traversii (hakapiri) [Out of Stock]

Tough, fast-growing coastal tree excellent for hedging/shelter on dry, exposed sites.

Olearia paniculata (akiraho, golden akeake)

A rounded small tree with yellowish-green wavy leaves. Fragrant sweet-scented flowers are borne in autumn. A good shelter and hedge plant. Hardy and tolerant of coastal conditions.

Habitat: Found in scrub.

Flowering: March - April
Fruiting:    

Olearia lineata (small leaved tree daisy)

One of the best native plants for hedging with fine grey, willowy foliage. Fast growing and hardy, forming a graceful tree on the margins of steep river gorges, and amongst rock outcrops.

Habitat: Lowland to montane (10-300 m a.s.l.) grey scrub, tussock grassland and forest margins. Often on river terraces in or near seepages and ephemeral wetlands, on occasion even growing in shallow water. Also found on the margins of steep river gorges, and in and amongst rock outcrops, boulder field and at the toe of alluvial fans.

Flowering: November - January
Fruiting:    January - April

Pittosporum eugenioides (tarata, lemonwood)

Bushy tree ideal as specimen or hedging. Lemon scented foliage and fragrant flowers (spring).

Habitat: Common tree of regenerating and mature forest in coastal to montane situations.

Flowering: October to January
Fruiting:    February to May [Fruit: Black]

Pittosporum mountain green [Out of Stock]

This native evergreen is fast becoming fashionable for its hedging and bordering appearance. With its dense glossy, lime green foliage, it offers a neutral and maintenance-free back drop to many planting plans.

Pittosporum stephens island [Out of Stock]

An attractive, large growing, hardy evergreen with lime to olive green leaves. Due to its neutral colour and texture, it provides a fabulous background for many garden designs and styles. This plant maintains a neat habit, is quick growing and ideal for screening out unwanted views, noise or wind.

Pittosporum tenuifolium (kohuhu, black matipo)

Extremely popular, adaptable and quick-growing. Shiny light-green foliage with wavy margins and reddish brown branchlets. Fragrant dark red flowers in spring. Exellent plant for hedging and shelter.

Habitat: A small tree of coastal to montane shrubland and forested habitats. Preferring successional habitats.

Flowering: October - January
Fruiting:    February - May

Plagianthus regius (manatu, lowland ribbonwood)

Deciduous tree grown for its foliage and flowers. Oval serrated leaves followed by tiny bracts of green/white flowers.

Habitat: Coastal to lower montane. Often a prominent tree in lowland alluvial forest.

Flowering: September - November
Fruiting:    December - January

Pseudopanax arboreus (whauwhaupaku, fivefinger)

This is one of New Zealand's most common native trees found from Cape Reinga to Bluff in lowland forests. Its particular form of a glossy, five to seven fingered leaf along with quick and luxuriant growth. It grows into a small stout tree up to 5 metres high and grows well in most soils and situations. Fast growing with small purplish black berries in autumn.

Habitat: Coastal to montane (10-750 m a.s.l.). Moist broadleaf forest. Frequently epiphytic. A frequent component of secondary forest. Streamsides and forest margins.

Flowering: June to August
Fruiting: August to February [Fruit: Black]

Pittosporum obcordatum (heart leaved kohuhu) [Out of Stock]

Pittosporum obcordatum is a rare, tall column shaped tree native to New Zealand. Naturally grows throughout New Zealand most commonly in eastern lowland alluvial forest favouring sites that are prone to summer drought in order to avoid water logged soils. It gets its column form form the dense interlaced twigs and branchlets that completely cover the trunk. The species has many small rounded leaves and produces small red, pink and yellow fragrant flowers in late spring. Does best in moist, fertile soil in semi-shade.

Habitat: A species of primarily eastern lowland alluvial forest, favouring sites prone to summer drought being otherwise waterlogged, and frost-prone during winter.

Flowering: September to December
Fruiting:    December to May

Prunus lusitanica (portuguese laurel) [Out of Stock]

Hardy and versatile evergreen shrub with smooth dark green leaves. Produces slender white flower racemes late spring and summer. Creates an excellent formal hedge or screen. Tolerates a wide range of conditions from dry to frosty areas.

Podocarpus totara (totara)

Classic NZ Native - Needle like leaves, olive green, orange-red fruit. Bark red / brown, good shaped tree with durable timber. Tolerates wide range of sites. Frost tender when young.

Habitat: Widespread and at times abundant tree of lowland, montane and lower subalpine forest. May also form a vegetation type in which it is the dominant species.

Flowering: October
Fruiting:    March to April [Fruit: Red]

Pseudopanax ferox (toothed lancewood)

A spectacular slow-growing specimen with narrow, saw-like brown juvenile leaves. Becomes a bushy-topped tree with a tall, slender trunk.

Habitat: Coastal to subalpine (10-800 m a.s.l.) on consolidated sand dunes (dune forest), in grey scrub overlying pumice, on recent alluvial (coarse gravels), limestone outcrops, boulder fall, cliff faces, talus slopes and scarps. Also found as a sparse component of seasonally drought-prone but otherwise cold and wet alluvial forests. This species prefers drier habitats and conditions than P. crassifolius.

Flowering: November to April
Fruiting: December to June [Fruit: Black]

Pseudopanax crassifolius (horoeka / lancewood)

Endemic to New Zealand, widespread and common. Has a unique juvenile form, long lance-like leaves for many years. Becomes round-headed tree with a smooth fluted trunk. Wind resistant. Likes well-drained soil. Frost tender when young.

Habitat: Lowland to montane forest. Sealevel to 750 m

Flowering: January to April
Fruiting: January to April [Fruit: Purple]

Myrsine australis (mapau, red matipo) [Out of Stock]

Forms a handsome large shrub or tree with distinctive red branchlets and wavy leaf margins. Similar in appearance to Pittosporum tenuifolium. The white flowers and later the black fruit are in clusters below the leaves. Used as a specimen, shrub border or hedge.

Habitat: Occurs in lowland forests. Common tree of regenerating and mature forest in coastal to montane situations.

Flowering: December - April
Fruiting:    October - February [Fruit: Black]

Melicytus ramiflorus (mahoe)

Melicytus ramiflorus, commonly known as whiteywood or mahoe, is one of our most common trees, found in forest and shrub throughout New Zealand and growing quickly to 5m or more. The pointed oval leaves are a bright green, with fresh growth being quite soft and an even brighter green. The bark is greyish white and becomes attractively mottled with lichens. Flowers in spring followed by numerous purple black berries. Whiteywood can be clipped for hedging or used as a shelter tree or filler, and will also make quite an attractive specimen. Avoid heavy frosts when young.

Habitat: Abundant small tree of coastal, lowland, and lower montane forests throughout the country.

Flowering: November - January
Fruiting:    February - April [Fruit: Black]

Myrsine divaricata (mapau, weeping matipo)

Myrsine divaricata is a small evergreen, bushy shrub, with spreading, drooping branches, which can grow to 3m high. The drooping branches give rise to woody interlacing (divaricating) branchlets bearing solitary leaves or leaves in groups. Tiny flowers, with pale yellow or red petals, occur in clusters. Evergreen.

Habitat: Found in subalpine scrub and forests, preferably where the ground is moist.

Flowering: June to November
Fruiting:    August to April

Thuja occidentalis smaragd (emerald green cedar) [Out of Stock]

Thuja are fast-growing evergreen trees of narrowly conical habit, with flat sprays of tiny, aromatic, scale-like leaves and small knobbly cones. 'Smaragd' is an evergreen conifer making a slow-growing conical shrub with erect sprays of bright green foliage. Plant will grow in height approx 30cm pa.

For a smart looking hedge plant 2 per metre.

Acer tamukeyama (Japanese Maple) [Out of Stock]

Tamukeyama is a red-leaf, dissected (cutleaf/laceleaf) cultivar that grows in a mound or dome to 2m tall spreading by weeping and cascading branching to 2m wide. It features deeply cut and dissected purple red leaves that turn brighter red in fall. Foliage is noted for retaining good color throughout the summer. Small reddish-purple flowers in spring are somewhat attractive on close inspection, but are not showy from a distance. Flowers are followed by samaras that ripen in late summer to autumn.

Acer palmatifidium (Japanese Maple) [Out of Stock]

Palmatifidum is a fast growing dissectum which can often be wider than it is tall. A sturdy and hardy shrub its cascading form is accentuated by the long narrow lobes on each leaf. Soft green spring tones mature to darker green in summer with autumn tones of yellow, gold and orange giving a very colourful display before the onset of winter.

Acer trompenburg (Japanese Maple) [Out of Stock]

Trompenburg' (Matsumurae Group) is a small upright tree that typically rises to 4m tall over the first 10 years, eventually maturing to as much as 6m tall. Foliage emerges dark reddish purple in spring with good color retention until late summer when it fades to reddish-green and bronze before turning showy crimson red in autumn. Each palmate leaf has 7-9 long, narrow-ovate, deeply cut, sharply-serrated lobes (divided close to the leaf base) with rolled edges (convex). Red leaf stalks. This cultivar was discovered as a seedling at the Trompenburg Arboretum in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Acca sellowiana (feijoa) [Out of Stock]

The original feijoa which many of the new varieties have been bred from, this variety has an open habit. Medium sized fruit appear later in the season on this large shrub. Self-fertile.

Acer crimson princess (Japanese Maple) [Out of Stock]

This cultivar is noted for carrying its red colour right throughout the growing season. The foliage goes through many changes throughout the year: bright crimson colour in spring, deep red-purple in summer and fiery scarlet in autumn; an outstanding smallish weeping maple.

Acer emerald lace (Japanese Maple) [Out of Stock]

A slightly unusual cultivar in that it's colouring is a deeper green than most other dissectum and with it long pendulous branches, it grows in the form of a spreading bush. Early spring colour of yellow-green is soon replaced by the deeper green it holds through summer before turning bright burgundy-red in the autumn. It offers growers a nice contrast to the general form of most dissectums.

Acer shaina (Japanese Maple) [Out of Stock]

Shaina is a dwarf Bloodgood sport that makes an excellent container subject, dense, compact and erect growth habit. Bright red new leaves mature into a maroon colour. Intense red autumn leaves. Easily trained into a ball shape.

Aristotelia serrata (makomako, wineberry)

Fast-growing, small deciduous tree. Attractive rose-coloured flowers in spring. Black berries in summer are highly sought after by native birds. Good shade tree in sheltered areas. Frost-tender when young, however hardy once mature.

Habitat: Lowland to montane forests. Often forming dense thickets following disturbance.

Flowering: September to December
Fruiting:    January to March [Fruit: Black]

Leptospermum scoparium (manuka, tea tree)

A fast growing shrub with abundant white flowers in Summer. The flowers are attractive to bees. The leaves are very small and prickly to touch where as kanuka leaves are soft to touch. Both manuka and kanuka are used as a nurse crop with other early colonizing plants for revegetation / restoration planting and are also very effective in erosion control.

Habitat: Abundant from coastal situations to low alpine habitats.

Flowering: December to March
Fruiting:    Throughout the year