If you’re looking to add movement, texture and year-round interest to your garden, it’s hard to beat NZ native grasses. These hardy, low-maintenance plants are a staple of New Zealand landscapes, thriving in a wide range of conditions while providing structure and a natural look that complements both modern and traditional gardens.
At CJ’s Plants, our range includes popular Carex, Chionochloa, Festuca, and Anemanthele varieties, each offering unique colours, forms and growing habits. Whether you’re planting a contemporary courtyard, restoring a native landscape, or simply looking for an easy-care alternative to traditional shrubs, native grasses are a versatile solution.
Why Choose NZ Native Grasses?
Native grasses are valued for much more than their appearance. Their adaptability and resilience make them some of the most reliable plants for New Zealand gardens.
They’re ideal for:
- Low-maintenance gardens.
- Mass planting.
- Modern landscape designs.
- Coastal gardens.
- Banks and slopes.
- Erosion control.
- Rain gardens and swales (species dependent).
- Softening hard landscaping.
- Wildlife-friendly planting.
Their flowing foliage adds movement in the breeze, bringing life and texture to the garden throughout the seasons.
Our Range of Native Grasses
Carex
Carex are among New Zealand’s most versatile landscaping plants. Available in shades of green, bronze and copper, they form dense clumps that work beautifully as groundcovers, edging plants and mass plantings. Many Carex species tolerate difficult conditions, including wind, frost and periods of wet soil.
Chionochloa (Snow Tussocks)
Known for their graceful, arching foliage and impressive flower heads, Chionochloa create bold architectural features in the landscape. These iconic tussocks are perfect for larger gardens, lifestyle blocks and naturalistic planting schemes where their flowing habit can really shine.
Festuca
Our native Festuca species form neat, fine-textured clumps that bring subtle colour and contrast to borders and rock gardens. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller spaces while still delivering year-round interest.
Anemanthele (Wind Grass)
Often called wind grass, Anemanthele is prized for its soft, cascading foliage that catches even the slightest breeze. During the warmer months, the foliage develops attractive golden, bronze and orange tones, making it one of the most colourful native grasses available.
Easy to Grow, Easy to Love
Most NZ native grasses are remarkably easy to grow once established.
For best results:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Ensure good drainage, although some species tolerate wetter soils.
- Water regularly during establishment.
- Remove old or untidy foliage every year or two to encourage fresh growth.
- Apply a light application of slow-release fertiliser in spring if required.
Many varieties tolerate drought, coastal exposure, heavy frosts and Canterbury winds once established, making them an excellent choice for challenging sites.
Perfect for Modern New Zealand Gardens
Native grasses pair beautifully with flowering perennials, hebes, flaxes, shrubs and specimen trees. Their natural forms help soften pathways, retaining walls and paving, while their evergreen foliage provides interest even when many other plants are dormant.
Whether you’re creating a contemporary landscape, restoring a native planting, or looking for a simple, low-maintenance solution, NZ native grasses deliver year-round beauty with very little effort.
