Native Bank Planting (Low Growing)

Native Bank Planting (Low Growing)

Plants:

Sophora Dragons Gold  

Astelia fragrans        

Phormium cookianum

Carex secta

Pittosporum Golf Ball

Coprosma Hawea (Groundcover)   

Planting up a bank or slope can be a daunting task for even the most experienced gardener. Plant selection is key to minimising weed control and can quickly achieve the look you are after. Planting natives on a bank is a great way to transform what can be a forgotten spot of the garden. Try a few of the above ideas and see what works bestWhy native? Well, being incredibly hardy, natives thrive on slopes and require minimal watering to become established, and are a great source of food for our native fauna. This selection is great for a low-growing bank and will not impede on sun or create shaded areas. If you are looking for more height on your bank area, check out our other native palettes for inspiration. 

 

Width required: At least 2m

 

Plant spacing:

All plants at 1.2m spacing

Foliage Colour: Green

Flower Colour: Yellow (Bush Kowai)

 

Uses:

Great combination of natives to quickly cover a bank area that will keep low growing and not obstruct views. 

 

Plants in this Palette

Sophora Dragons Gold
Astelia fragrans
Phormium cookianum
Carex secta
Coprosma Hawera
Pittosporum Golf Ball
Sophora Dragons Gold
Sophora Dragons Gold

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.

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Astelia fragrans
Astelia fragrans

Astelia fragrans is a native New Zealand gem that has bushy arching evergreen flax-like leaves. From spring to summer, Astelia fragrans produces clusters of small, honey-scented flowers, followed by attractive orange berries that attract birds to the garden. It thrives in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, coastal areas, and windy conditions. Astelia fragrans is perfect for planting under large trees where it is difficult to establish other plants and brightens up a shaded area. Its tolerance to various soil types and its drought-resistant nature once established, makes it a valuable addition to diverse garden settings. Height 1m

Phormium cookianum
Phormium cookianum

Phormium cookianum, more commonly known as mountain flax or wharariki, is endemic to New Zealand and is a very useful plant for any native planting project. Despite its common name, it is found throughout New Zealand from coastal slopes to alpine treelines. 

Phormium cookianum is smaller than the New Zealand flax Phormium tenax/harakeke, rarely reaching more than 1.6m, and its leaves and seed pods droop and twist more. The flowers are a source of nectar for the native birds, especially tui and bellbird/korimako.

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Carex secta
Carex secta

Carex secta, or pukio, is a vigorous, green, spreading tussock. Good screen or filler plant, especially in waterlogged areas. Very hardy. Evergreen. NZ native. 1.5m x 1m.

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Coprosma Hawera
Coprosma Hawera

Coprosma Hawera is a fast-growing, low-lying New Zealand native that creates a dense mat of small, narrow olive-green leaves. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in various conditions, though it has a preference for dry areas. Its cascading growth habit is especially stunning over walls or down banks. When fully grown, Coprosma Hawera typically measures around 50cm in height and can spread up to 1m wide, offering excellent ground cover. A great native for supressing weeds. 

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Pittosporum Golf Ball
Pittosporum Golf Ball

Pittosporum Golf Ball is a neat forming, rounded New Zealand shrub.  This plant is ideal for adding structure and architectural interest to the planting scheme and also makes a great low hedge.  Small purple flowers appear in late spring and early summer with a sweet, honey-like scent.  Frost hardy and likes a spot in the full sun and partial shade with a moist, well-drained soil.  Grows to a height of 1m but can be trimmed to retain a smaller shape.

Image is of our 2.5L pot