Native Bank Planting (Tall 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 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. 

Trimming: Trim Pittosporum tenuifolium in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. Lightly prune throughout the growing season to remove any dead or damaged branches and to keep the plant neat.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth. A second application in mid-summer can help if the plant appears to need an additional nutrient boost.

Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase to ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Once established, Pittosporum tenuifolium is moderately drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Pest Control: Be vigilant for pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves where pests often gather.

Disease Management: Pittosporum tenuifolium is generally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal problems. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring the soil is well-draining. If you notice signs of fungal diseases, such as leaf spots or powdery mildew, remove the affected parts and treat with an appropriate fungicide.

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.

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.

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.