Agave attenuata  - CENTURY PLANT

Grey-green rosette of leaves.  Develops into clumps about 1 metre high.  Beautiful flowers with greenish-yellow three metre spikes.  Requires full sun and good drainage.  Able to separate off pups for replanting.

Alcantera imperialis “Rubra” - KING BROMELIAD

Giant bromeliad can grow to over 1m tall, with dark red under the leaf it is a stunning addition to any subtropical garden.  Sunny positions enhance the red of the leaves.  Frost tender.

Aloe thraskii - ZULULAND ALOE

Dense rosettes of concave leaves to 1.5 metres.  Long, darkish green slightly glaucous leaves tapering rapidly to long tip with fine brown thorns at margins.  Racemes of orange flowers give months of winter colour.  Grows to 1.5 metres tall.  Stunning landscape specimen.

Anthurium coriaceum - SWORD PLANT

Great for under planting, likes plenty of water.  Easy care plant.

Archontophoenix alexandrae - KING PALM

A powerful tall strong palm.  Ringed stem and a smooth distinctive crown shaft.  Tolerates frost after some maturity but prefers moderately frost free environments.  Suitable for coastal planting.  Differs from the bangalo palm as the leaflets are broader and silvery on the underside.  Grows best in protected positions – good option for slender height in a palm tree.

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana - BANGALO PALM

This tall and graceful palm makes an excellent specimen palm, either indoors or outdoors.  Relatively fast growing, with beautiful displays of lilac – purple flowers.  Can be either solitary of multi trunked. Cold tolerant, but frost tender, grows best in a protected position when young.  Slender trunk allows it to fit into almost any garden situation.

Asplenium bulbiferum - HEN & CHICKEN FERN

Pretty indoor hanging fern.  Works well as mass under planting in landscape projects, providing the positions are shady and protected.

Brahea armata  - MEXICAN BLUE PALM

Attractive dwarf palm, fan shaped, but stiff waxy-blue fronds deeply cut in segments, stems armed with curved white spines.  Hardy palm – requires good drainage.  Rare.

Brahea edulis - GUADALUPE PALM

Fan palm, forms dense crown of light green to jade green foliage on a thick trunk.  Hardy, tolerate full sun and well drained soils.  Dwarf palm.  Slow growing. 

Bromeliad - SMALL TIGER

One of the many bromeliad options, small green and red clumps, fast growing and easy to care for.

Butia capitata - WINE / JELLY PALM

Stunning dark green to silvery bluish grey graceful petioles, with a thick grey trunk.  Perfect landscape palm.  Prefer relatively dry / free draining soil and enjoys full sun for strong growth and good colour.  A superior choice for coastal areas.  Frost and wind tolerant. 

Caryota Ochlandra - FISHTAIL PALM

With a single trunk this attractive palm prefers warm and moist conditions, but is tolerant in most areas that are not too cold.  The lovely unusual leaf shape makes it stand out from the rest.  Good option for instant height in the garden.

Caryota Himalaya - FISHTAIL PALM

Hardy, fishtail palm from the foothills of Himalaya, dark green foliage.

Chamaedorea costaricana - BAMBOO PALM

Beautiful indoor palm, can handle outside sheltered positions, fairly cold tolerant.  Grows best in full shade but will withstand sunny positions when mature, keep well watered in this instance. Another lovely indoor palm.

Chamaedorea elegans - PARLOUR PALM

Originating from Mexico, this is the perfect under-story palm as it has no tolerance to sunlight.  Wonderful indoor plant as it will grow in low light areas beautifully.  Characteristics are pale green leaves and a slender single trunk. 

Chamaedorea microspadix - CLUSTERED VELVET PALM

A clump forming species to 3m, with very dark green velvet textured leaves.  Ideal for indoors in an evenly lit and well ventilated position.  Grows outdoors 2-5m, best in semi-shade, tolerates dry conditions and little frost.  Seeds are bright red, deep green leaves of satin texture. 

Chamaerops humilis - EUROPEAN FAN PALM

Proving to be one of the more hardy species available in New Zealand showing remarkable stamina against heavy frosts and extreme weather conditions.  An attractive clumping palm with a distinctive blue hue to its leaves.  A slow growing palm that suits patio planters and confined landscape situations well for many years. Drought and wind resistant.

Cordyline australis - NZ CABBAGE TREE

New Zealand Native, the Cabbage Tree will branch with age.  Because it is very hardy it is great for the bach or low maintenance garden to give that truly New Zealand effect.  Grows very large and can be branched or single trunked depending on how it is grown.  Protected species.

Dracaena draco - DRAGON TREE

Indoor, treat as a cactus, ie: good light and dry between watering.  Outdoors, grow into a palm – type tree with a heavy decorative trunk.  It usually grows on a single stem 1.8-2 metres then flowers, afterwards breaking out horizontally to form multiple heads of bluish leaves similar to yucca.  According to legend, the red sap is “Dragon’s blood”.  Extremely hardy when older but frost tender when young.  Water regularly over summer. 

Dracaena marginata - RED EDGED DRACAENA

Beautiful indoor plant, multi branching with fine leaved rosettes at the top of thin branches.  Easy care, allow to dry between watering.

Euterpe edulis -ASSAI PALM

Lovely indoor plant with striking bright green foliage and a red tint at the base of the slender trunk.  A great choice for the low light position inside.  Require well drained soil and when young filtered light, direct sun will cause damage.  

Howea forsteriana -KENTIA PALM

The kentia palm is the most versatile of all palms.  It prefers to grow in low light as a young plant, making it ideal for indoors.  It will grow into a large plant in a small pot.  Its shiny green stems arching over where the leaf form gives it a character of its own.    A kentia palm that eventually grows too big for the house can be transferred outside where it can make a new life as a landscape palm.  Do not over pot, use fertiliser sparingly, no oils on foliage, keep moist, to prevent tip burn.

Livistona australis - AUSTRALIAN FAN PALM

Grows very well in temperate regions and responds strongly to regular watering and the use of nitrogenous fertilisers.  An excellent plant for parks and large gardens – especially in group plantings, as well as lining driveways and avenues.

Livistona chinensis - CHINESE FAN PALM

A hardy palm that tolerates the cold, and adapts well in tropical and temperate regions.   This plant makes an excellent tub plant and when young is very useful indoors, even tolerating dark positions.  It tends to be slow growing in temperate regions, tolerates poor soil and responds well to fertiliser.  Will grow in full or semi-shade and may flower while quite small.

Livistona decipiens - WEEPING CABBAGE PALM

A graceful weeping version of the Livistona species requires free draining soil and is tolerant of drought when older.  However, grows better when watered well.  Enjoys full sun positions and can handle coastal areas that are not too windy. 

Nolina recurvata - PONYTAIL

This stunning contemporary plant is extremely hardy and can be grown indoors, in the bush-house, on the patio or in the garden.  It can be used for Bonsai.  Generally they required very little attention and they are drought resistant.  If the crown is badly damaged it will send up several stems, making for an interesting and quite pretty plant.

Pachypodium lamerii - MADAGASCAR PALM

Require a warm position in full sunlight.  Frost free position.  This plant has the look of a cactus with spikes covering the trunk.  Full flat green leaves cover the top.  

Philodendron bipinnatifidum - ANTLER PLANT

Self heading philodendron.  Forms large deeply indented rich green leaves 75cm x 50xm.  Grows well in sun or shade, extremely hardy in most situations and will withstand extreme conditions.  Good plant for a container.

Phoenix canariensis - CANARY IS. DATE PALM

Adaptable to tropical, subtropical or temperate climates. Very frost hardy.  Does well on dry open slopes on soils of volcanic origin. Young plants can grow in open sunny location and dry wind, provided they are watered well.   Distinctive patterns of leaf scars on the trunk.  Great option for a large empty space.

Phoenix reclinata - SENEGAL DATE PALM

Similar to the canariensis in characteristics, except that it is a multi trunking species.  Grows big and is very hardy, will withstand most New Zealand weather conditions.  Perfect for large spaces and screens.  Ideal for Council plantings.

Phoenix roebelenii - DWARF DATE PALM

Commonly grown in subtropical coastal regions, although it will also grow happily in temperate regions.  Plants will grow in a sunny or shady position and are quite hardy and drought-tolerant once established. Grows to a maximum height of 2.5m, crown is dense and leaves gently curving and drooping, perfect for under-planting.  Tolerant of light frosts.

Phoenix rupicola - CLIFF DATE PALM

One of the smaller species in the phoenix family, very strong single trunked palm tree.  Can withstand part shade when younger, but will require full sun when older.   Needs free draining soil and good moisture to grow well.  Lovely palm characteristically half way between the gentle, small roebelenii and the strong, tall canariensis.

Phoenix sylvestris - SILVER DATE PALM

Single trunk phoenix, with a silver-bluish tint to the leaves, this palm is a softer, smaller version of the canariensis.  Very comfortable in New Zealand conditions, withstanding full sun, wind, frost.  Can handle drought conditions, but grows better with good moisture. 

Puya mirabilis - EXOTIC BROMELIAD

Another of the bromeliad family, good under planting accent to the garden.

Ravenea rivularis - MAJESTIC PALM

Majestic palms are another very versatile palm, when young they make lovely indoor plants, growing best in well ventilate, natural air environments.  They need plenty of water to establish.  When grown outdoors they tolerate light frosts and the leaves remain a deep green in semi shady / protected positions, lightening up in full sun.

Rhapis excelsa - LADY PALM

Very popular long term, indoor palm.  It is one of the few suckering palms that form a number of fibrous stems over time.  It needs to be in the shade and is tolerant to cold temperatures.   With its slow growing nature the lady palm does very well as a tub plant and will not require repotting for a long time.

Rhopalostylis baueri / cheesemanii - KERMADEC IS. NIKAU

This spectacular NZ native palm is endemic to Raoul Island in the Kermadec group. It is cold tolerant and thrives in semi shade.  As a forest dweller it grows best when protected in its younger years.  The softest structure of the Nikau family.

Rhopalostylis chathamanica - CHATHAM IS. NIKAU

The Chatham Island Nikau is tolerant of a wide range of NZ climates, but prefers a semi shade location in its juvenile stages.  A very beautiful native variety.  Faster growing than the NZ Sapida with a more arched appearance.  Dark green leaves with a  contrasting silvery white petiole. 

Rhopalostylis sapida - NEW ZEALAND NIKAU

A hardy native to New Zealand, this palm tolerates light frosts and grows well in temperate regions.  Suitable for shady planting until maturity.  Will survive well in the normal New Zealand sub tropical climate.  Traditional kiwi icon with a look commonly referred to as that of a “shuttle cock”.  Slow growing and beautiful compliment to any garden.  Will start trunking at about 15 years of age.

Sabal palmetto - BLUE PALMETTO PALM

A pretty blue tinted fan palm with smooth, spike less petioles.   Strong palm for New Zealand weather conditions, tolerates coastal positions, frost, windy environments and full sun.  Good choice for something different.  Slow growing.

Sabal mauritiiformis - SAVANNAH PALM

Grow in partial shade in the younger years, will need full sun when older.  Requires mild climatic positions.  Plant in well drained soil, keeping well watered will boost both colour and growth rate.

Sansevieria trifasciata - GREEN / GOLD

Beautiful marbled appearance.  One of the hardiest subjects for indoor décor.  Requires a minimum of attention, suitable for contemporary planters, rock gardens or patio.  Either in marbled green and white or gold and green.

Strelitzia nicholai - WHITE BIRD OF PARADISE

This plant is a good background for a tropical garden.  It has large banana type leaves and forms trunks up to 6m in sheltered locations.  The foliage is held in fans and is a great hardy plant for New Zealand conditions.

Strelitzia reginae - BIRD OF PARADISE

Popular plant in sunny location, a nice lawn feature.  Makes a good tub plant.  Bird like flowers are produced in early spring, these will continue for many weeks from the same stem.  Plant needs grooming to remove surplus leaves and spent flower stems.  Hardy species.

Syagrus romanzoffiana - QUEEN PALM

Very frost hardy and able to tolerate windy sites.  Thrives on coastal regions, withstanding quite a deal of salt-laden wind.  This palm is fast growing and is especially responsive to nitrogenous fertilisers.  The classic feather shaped frond falling from a magnificent crown makes this palm very attractive and sought after.  Fast growing, good option for height in the garden.

Trachycarpus fortunei - CHINESE WINDMILL PALM

A traditional fan palm, this palm is one of the most cold hardy in the world, with the ability to grow up to 10 m tall.  Originating from the Himalayas of Northern India to Thailand and China these palms like wet conditions and can adapt to poor draining soils readily.

Washingtonia robusta - MEXICAN FAN PALM

This hardy palm is suited to a wide range of habitats, grows well in cool, temperate regions and also in the subtropics.  It makes an excellent palm for avenues, driveways and in gardens.  Its red rounded base and cotton threads when juvenile, is distinctive to this species. Water frequently in dry weather.

Yucca elephantipes - YUCCA

Great architectural plant for indoors, grows best in full sun conditions.  Water well if the light is low, but do not over water as rotting will occur.   Common indoor plant as it is easy care for, will handle strong temperature changes with relative ease.

Cycads

Cycas thourasii - MADAGASCAR SAGO

Deep green shiny leaves.  Can often branch off the main trunk as it grows older.  Prefers warm positions with filtered light and no frost.  Needs watering, lack of water inhibits leaf development.  Fairly fast growing.

Cycas revoluta - SAGO PALM

From Java to Japan, these plants are said to be older than time.  The foliage comes all at once from the centre crown.  It is soft and feathery and beautiful to watch over growth period, like a very slow-moving fountain.  This foliage later becomes as hard as strong plastic.  Will live many years in a pot or tub. Later makes a superb landscape plant, eagerly sought after.  Removing old leaves will promote new growth.  Copper spray is deadly to these plants. 

Lepidozamia peroffskyana - BURRAWANG

Originating in Australia this is popular cycad with coarse fern-like foliage, bronzy-green in colour, later develops a thick trunk with broad serrated leaves.  Extremely hardy.

Macrozamia communis - NATIVE AUSTRALIA CYCAD

Endemic of Australia with about 18 varieties, these cycads grow in the poor rocky and mostly dry soils.  They seem to grow quite well in New Zealand and large specimens can be found growing in pots on decks and terraces.  Communis will frond up from the ground, almost fern like in habit.  Fertilise sparingly.