Native Bank Planting (Low Growing)

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, Makura or swamp sedge, is a robust perennial grass native to New Zealand, renowned for its lush, bright green, strap-like leaves and dense clumping habit. It naturally occurs in wetlands and swampy areas, indicating its preference for moist, boggy conditions.

In the garden, Carex secta is ideal for creating naturalistic plantings, especially in wetland or water garden settings. It can be used for erosion control, along waterways, or in areas where water accumulates, providing both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. 

Makura prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in wet, boggy soils, making it a perfect choice for areas that are difficult to plant due to excessive moisture. It can also adapt to drier conditions once established, but it truly excels in environments that mimic its natural wetland habitat. When planting, a spacing of about 50-70cm apart is recommended to allow the plants to spread and form a thick, lush mass.

The mature: Can reach heights of up to 1-2m with a similar spread.

Trimming: Trim Carex secta (Pukio) in late winter or early spring. Cut back dead or damaged foliage to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.

Fertilising: Generally, Carex secta does not need fertilising if grown in fertile soil. If necessary, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, Carex secta can tolerate periods of drought but will thrive with consistent moisture, especially during prolonged dry spells.

Pest Control: Carex secta is typically pest-resistant. However, occasionally check for aphids and treat with insecticidal soap if infestations occur.

Disease Management: This plant is generally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. If you notice any signs of disease, such as discoloured or wilting foliage, remove affected areas and apply an appropriate fungicide if necessary.

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.

Trimming: Minimal pruning is required. Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.

Deadheading: Deadheading is not usually necessary, but spent flowers can be removed for a tidier appearance if desired.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase, particularly through the first one to two years. Once established, Sophora ‘Dragon’s Gold’ is relatively drought tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

Pest Control: Watch for scale insects and aphids, which may feed on new growth. Treat infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if required.

Disease Management: Generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. In poorly drained soils, root rot can occur, causing wilting, yellowing foliage, and decline. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove affected plant material and improve soil conditions if symptoms appear.

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.

Trimming: Trim regularly to maintain the compact, rounded shape. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season. A more substantial trim can be done in late spring after the risk of frost has passed.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to excessive, weak growth.

Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, Pittosporum Golf Ball is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.

Pest Control: Generally pest-free, but monitor for scale insects and aphids. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary.

Disease Management: Watch for signs of root rot and leaf spot. Root rot can occur in poorly draining soil, so ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging. Leaf spot appears as dark spots on the leaves and can be treated with appropriate fungicides. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimise disease risk. Remove any affected foliage to prevent the spread of disease.

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.

Trimming: Trim Phormium cookianum as needed by removing old, damaged, or split leaves at the base with clean, sharp secateurs. Avoid cutting across the leaves, as this can leave untidy blunt ends and spoil the natural arching form.

Deadheading: Deadheading is not usually required, but spent flower stems can be cut back to the base once flowering has finished to tidy the plant.

Fertilising: Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser, or apply compost around the base to support strong foliage growth. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage soft, floppy growth.

Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, Phormium cookianum is reasonably drought tolerant, but it will benefit from deep watering during extreme dry periods, especially in exposed or free-draining sites.

Pest control: Watch for mealybug, scale, and snails, which can hide between the leaf bases. Signs include sticky residue, sooty mould, cottony white clusters, or chewed foliage. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and remove pests by hand where practical.

Disease management: Look out for leaf spot, crown rot, and root rot, particularly in wet or poorly drained conditions. Signs include spotted or browning leaves, soft growth at the crown, wilting, or poor vigour. Remove affected foliage, improve drainage and airflow, avoid overwatering, and use an appropriate fungicide if disease persists.

Astelia fragrans is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand, featuring arching, sword-shaped leaves in shades of green with a soft silvery underside. In Spring, it produces small, fragrant flowers hidden among the foliage, followed by orange berries on female plants, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Ideal for native gardens, woodland plantings, or shaded borders, this Astelia thrives in part shade with moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates wind and light frost, making it suitable for exposed sites. Space plants approximately 80–100cm apart to allow their natural form to develop.

Matures to around 1m tall and 1.2m wide, creating a soft yet structured presence in the garden.

Trimming: Remove any damaged, dead, or discoloured leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy. In late winter or early spring, tidy up by trimming back any spent or frost-damaged foliage.

Deadheading: Not required, as the flowers are inconspicuous and do not need removal.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support strong, silvery or metallic foliage. Supplement with a liquid feed during the growing season if needed, especially in containers.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment and during extended dry periods. Once established, Astelia is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogging.

Pest Control: Generally pest-free, though mealybugs may appear, especially in sheltered or indoor settings. Remove manually or treat with insecticidal soap.

Disease Management: Can be prone to root rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering, especially in humid or shaded locations. Remove any affected leaves promptly.

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. 

Trimming: Coprosma ‘Hawera’ is naturally low-maintenance and usually only needs the odd light trim to keep it tidy or encourage fresh growth. 

Fertilising: Apply a light dressing of general-purpose or slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and good colour.

Watering: Water regularly through the establishment phase, especially over the first summer and autumn, and during extended dry periods; once established, it is drought tolerant.

Pest control: Generally trouble-free, though scale insects can occasionally appear, so check stems and foliage and treat with horticultural oil if needed.

Disease management: Watch for leaf spot or rust, which can show as yellow to brown spotting and rust-like pustules on the undersides of leaves; remove affected growth, improve airflow, and avoid overhead watering.