Native Garden - Part Sun / Part Shade

Arthropodium Matapouri Bay is a refined selection of the New Zealand native rengarenga lily, prized for its broad, soft green foliage and graceful sprays of white star-like flowers with purple and yellow accents. Flowering from late spring through summer, it adds texture and lightness to shaded garden areas. Ideal for native, woodland, and subtropical gardens, it thrives in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. Space plants 50–60cm apart to allow for natural clumping growth.

Mature Size: Grows to approximately 60cm high and 90cm wide with an attractive arching form.

Trimming: Remove spent flower stalks and any dead or tatty foliage in late summer or early autumn to maintain a tidy, lush appearance. A light clean-up in early spring encourages new growth.

Deadheading: Not required, but cutting back faded flower stems improves overall presentation.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring. In lean soils, a liquid feed mid-season can support robust foliage and flowering.

Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, this variety is tolerant of dry conditions but will benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods, particularly in full sun or windy sites.

Pest Control: Generally pest-free, though young leaves may attract slugs or snails. Use pet-safe slug bait or remove pests manually as needed.

Disease Management: Very low susceptibility to disease. Avoid excessive moisture around the crown and ensure good airflow to prevent any potential fungal problems. Remove old or decaying foliage promptly.

Blechnum discolor, commonly known as crown fern, is a striking New Zealand native with a distinctive vase-like form. Its stiff, upright fronds emerge with coppery tones and mature to a rich green, radiating symmetrically from a central crown. This evergreen fern provides strong texture and structure, making it a standout feature in shaded garden spaces.

Perfect for native, woodland, and rainforest-style gardens, it thrives as understorey planting or massed in shaded borders to create a lush, layered effect.

Prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Keep soil consistently damp and shelter from drying winds. Space 60–90 cm apart to allow its natural form to develop.

Mature size reaches 60–100 cm tall with a symmetrical spread of up to 1 metre.

Trimming: Requires minimal pruning. Remove old, damaged, or dead fronds at the base to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth. Avoid cutting back healthy fronds, as they contribute to the plant’s energy reserves.

Deadheading: Not applicable.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring if growth is slow or soil is poor. A top-up of organic compost or leaf litter can mimic natural forest conditions and boost health.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells. Blechnum discolor thrives in damp, shaded environments and does not tolerate prolonged dryness. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant, though young fronds may occasionally be targeted by slugs or snails. Use organic methods like beer traps or hand-picking to manage any issues.

Disease Management: Rarely troubled by disease. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to prevent root rot. Remove and dispose of any fronds showing signs of fungal infection or decay to maintain vigour.

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-me-not, is a  perennial found naturally on the Chatham Islands. It has stunningly large, glossy, emerald-green leaves and produces clusters of deep blue flowers. These flowers emerge in late spring, forming a mesmerising contrast against its vibrant foliage. With a broad, clump-forming habit, this plant can serve as an incredible focal point in gardens, particularly in coastal and woodland settings.

Growing to a height and spread of about 0.5m to 1m, the Chatham Island Forget-me-not thrives in a sheltered spot with dappled light. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil, and while it's relatively low-maintenance, it appreciates regular watering in dry conditions.

Trimming: Remove any damaged or dead leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy and healthy.

Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage further flowering and maintain a neat appearance.

Fertilising: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring and again in mid-summer to promote vigorous growth and flowering.

Watering: Water consistently, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Myosotidium hortensia thrives in consistently damp conditions.

Pest Control: Watch for slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage. Use organic slug pellets or traps to manage these pests effectively.

Disease Management: Myosotidium hortensia is generally disease-resistant. However, monitor for signs of fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can be treated with a suitable fungicide. Ensure good air circulation to help prevent disease.