Native Plants for Small Gardens: Five Blossoms to Consider.
Native plants often get overlooked for their floral appeal, but they can offer beautiful blooms, even in small gardens. Here are five native plants that are ideal for compact spaces:
Clianthus maximus
The Clianthus maximus, known for its striking red flowers, can be grown as a shrub. This plant is a robust grower with larger and brighter red flowers compared to the more common Clianthus puniceus. In my Christchurch garden, I’ve trained it in a fan shape against a fence, creating a stunning display. This method is also effective in less than ideal conditions. Historically, when introduced to England, this plant was prone to frost damage, so gardeners trained it against brick walls to benefit from the wall’s heat.
Clematis paniculata
Clematis paniculata stands out as the most eye-catching of our native clematis varieties. Its delicate flowers bloom from spring to summer, attracting a variety of bees and flies. This climber needs a cool root zone and a sturdy pergola or shrub to climb. Unlike exotic clematis, which can become overwhelming, Clematis paniculata is better suited for scrambling up trees. Some of the best specimens can produce flowers as large as a bread-and-butter plate. If you find a female plant with such blooms, consider collecting seeds.
Xeronema callistemon
The Xeronema callistemon, also known as Poor Knights lily, is often slow to bloom but thrives once it becomes root-bound. Native to rocky outcrops, it prefers hot, dry conditions. In southern regions, it’s best grown in a pot against a north-facing wall to avoid frost. During winter, it can be kept under eaves or brought indoors if necessary.
Veronica hulkeana
Known as New Zealand lilac, Veronica hulkeana is a hardy shrub with glossy green leaves and attractive rose-pink flowers from October to December. This plant grows to about 1 meter in height and is easy to care for. Its long flower panicles, sometimes exceeding 30 cm, are particularly charming. It can thrive even in hot, dry spots. A notable example of its beauty is a roundabout in Taupō, where it was in full bloom. Regular trimming after flowering and ensuring good air circulation can help prevent fungal issues.
Myosotidium hortensia
The Chatham Island forget-me-not, or Myosotidium hortensia, thrives in its native coastal habitat of sand and rocks. It enjoys wind and dappled light in a cool environment. While some gardeners suggest spraying it with sea water, this isn’t essential. A cultivar called ‘Chatham Island Blue’ was once available but is no longer commonly found.
These native plants not only add beauty to gardens but also adapt well to various conditions, making them excellent choices for small spaces.