Native Bank Planting (Tall growing)

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.

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Mānuka, is a beautiful evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. This hardy plant is celebrated for its profusion of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. The flowers can range in colour from white to pink to red, creating a striking display against the fine, aromatic green foliage. Mānuka is perfect for adding texture and colour to mixed borders, hedges, and native gardens.

Mānuka thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, and is particularly well-suited to coastal conditions. This resilient shrub is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. Regular watering during the establishment phase promotes strong root growth, and light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages dense growth. Space plants about 1-1.5 metres apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

At maturity, Leptospermum scoparium reaches a height of approximately 2-3 metres and a spread of about 1.5-2 metres, forming a dense, upright shrub. Its long-lasting flowers attract pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden.

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.

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.

Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small, evergreen tree that means "slender-leaved" in Latin. It has bright-green foliage with dark-brown, thin stalks and dense foliage. It produces small, dark flowers, which darken almost black with age. Pittosporum prefers full sun and well-drained soils, although it does tolerate dry soil and drought. It can also tolerate wind exposure and is frost-hardy. Used for both residential plantings as a great hedge or specimen, and is a colonising species in revegetation plantings. Can also be used as a fast-growing shelterbelt. Grows up to 5m in height. 

Olearia traversii - a rapidly growing, hardy tree that is very suitable for shelter purposes, especially on the coast. Withstands only light frosts. Intolerant of wet sites. Clip to maintain compact form.