Garden Design #39

Hebe topiaria.  This compact, evergreen, ball-shaped NZ native shrub produces small white flowers in early summer. Because of its naturally tight habit, it is useful for low-hedging, an excellent specimen or contrast plant against other foliage. Prefers sun to part-shade. Hardy. 

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Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as Red Tussock grass, is a distinctive tussock grass native to New Zealand. This perennial grass forms large, dense tussocks with long, narrow, red-tinged leaves that often roll inward, giving them a tubular appearance. Red Tussock typically reaches heights of about 1 metre but can grow taller in favourable conditions. From February to April, it produces attractive seedheads, enhancing its visual appeal. Thriving in damp and infertile soils, it performs well in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, from moist to wet. Its medium growth rate and evergreen foliage provide year-round interest, making it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for various garden styles.

Ideal for naturalistic and contemporary gardens, Chionochloa rubra adds texture and movement, especially in windy, exposed locations. It works well in mass plantings or as a buffer plant around wetland areas, helping to reestablish wildlife habitats. This grass plays a vital ecological role by providing shelter and nesting sites for native birds, preventing erosion with its extensive root systems, and regulating water flow in alpine catchments by trapping and storing snow. Its drought tolerance and adaptability to poor soils make it particularly suited to coastal and urban gardens, where it offers both aesthetic beauty and ecological benefits.

Sophora molloyii Dragons Gold is a compact and hardy NZ native evergreen shrub that stands out for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers. This unique variety blooms even earlier than its relatives, gracing gardens with its prolific flowers in winter. The fern-like, bright green foliage complements the radiant colours, making it a visual treat throughout the year. Growing to an approximate height and width of 2 metres, Dragons Gold is versatile and fits perfectly in border plantings and pots, and can even be trimmed into an attractive hedge.

Not just a treat for the eyes, this Kowhai variety is a favourite amongst native birds such as tui and kereru, who are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. It thrives best in well-drained soil and can tolerate sunny and semi-shaded spots in the garden.

Discover the charm of Muehlenbeckia astonii, a New Zealand native shrub known for its intricate network of wiry, interlocking branches. This fascinating plant features small, heart-shaped leaves that are bright green in colour. During the summer, the shrub is adorned with delicate white flowers, which later give way to translucent berries in the autumn, attracting a variety of birds. Muehlenbeckia astonii is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of conditions including extended dry periods, coastal environments, and moderate winds. It thrives best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

Whether you're looking to add contrast and texture to a mixed planting scheme or seeking a resilient option for an informal hedge, Muehlenbeckia astonii is an excellent choice. It typically grows to a height of 2.5m and a width of 1.5m but can be easily contained with regular trimming. This versatile shrub is ideal for various garden styles, from Alpine and Architectural to Coastal and Modern. Its low maintenance requirements and medium growth rate make it a good option for both novice and experienced gardeners. Add this stunning native to your garden and enjoy its beauty and resilience year-round.

Pseudowintera Red Leopard - also known as horopito or pepper tree. A hardy evergreen shrub that has lime-green foliage with rich burgundy markings that provide good foliar colour to the garden. As the days start to cool in autumn the foliage darkens to burgundy, making it a really good plant for winter interest. Plant in borders and containers. Used to form low hedging it may be trimmed to shape. Requires moist, free-draining soil in full sun or part shade.

Acer palmatum var. dissectum Crimson Queen is a weeping Japanese maple tree celebrated for its stunning, cascading form and finely cut, lace-like leaves. Its foliage presents a spectacular display, starting as a deep crimson in spring and transitioning to a rich, dark purple as the season progresses, before bursting into a brilliant red in autumn. This variety maintains its vibrant colour better than most other red Japanese maples, especially when placed in a sheltered location that minimizes sun scorch.

Ideal for adding structure and colour to zen gardens, modern landscapes, or as an understated yet elegant feature in cottage gardens, the Crimson Queen thrives in partial to full shade where it can be protected from the harshest midday sun. It prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. With a compact and weeping growth habit, this tree is perfect for smaller spaces or as a dramatic container specimen.

It reaches a mature height and spread of about 2m, making it an great choice for areas where space is at a premium yet visual impact is desired.

Carex testacea, commonly known as the New Zealand Hair Sedge, is a graceful perennial ornamental grass native to New Zealand. This evergreen sedge showcases fine, arching, olive-green leaves that take on striking orange hues, particularly in colder months, making it a great choice for year-round interest. It flourishes into a clump-forming, tussock-like shape, with its slender foliage gently swaying with the breeze, adding movement to gardens.

Ideal for various garden settings such as borders, rock gardens, or waterside plantings, Carex testacea is adaptable and resilient. It thrives best in well-drained soil, under full sun to partial shade. This sedge is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and can reach heights of up to 50cm with a similar spread.

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Sophora microphylla, commonly known as kowhai. Sophora microphylla is the variety found naturally throughout the South Island, but it will grow in all parts of New Zealand. A very tough and hardy tree that suits the urban setting too. Fine fern-like foliage, that boasts the iconic yellow flower from September through to November. It is semi-deciduous and reaches a height of 8m when mature.