Full sun sites are defined as areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In New Zealand, full sun conditions can be particularly harsh due to:
Strong summer sunlight
Drying winds, especially coastal or hilltop locations
Highly reflective soils in urban areas
Seasonal variation in rainfall, leading to drought or waterlogging
Creating a resilient full sun garden starts with understanding the environmental stresses and choosing plants adapted to heat, wind, and variable moisture.
NZ native plants are naturally adapted to a wide range of exposed, sunny habitats, including coastal cliffs, river terraces, alpine slopes, and open shrublands. Benefits of choosing full sun natives include:
Drought tolerance: Once established, many natives survive with minimal watering.
Wind and sun resistance: Small leaves, thick cuticles, and deep roots protect against damage.
Low maintenance: Natives generally require less pruning, fertilisation, and irrigation.
Biodiversity support: Full sun natives provide nectar, berries, and shelter for birds, insects, and lizards.
By designing gardens with full sun-tolerant natives, you create sustainable landscapes that thrive with climate variability.
Shrubs form the structural backbone of full sun gardens. Here are detailed profiles of reliable species:
Growth: Up to 2–3 m tall, wiry branches with small, leathery leaves.
Site: Coastal, inland terraces, clay or sandy soils.
Notes: Excellent for hedging or specimen planting; Bronze Knight and Red Wonder cultivars add color contrast.
Growth: Upright shrub 2–4 m, dense branching.
Site: Dry, exposed clay or coastal soils.
Notes: Extremely hardy; tolerates drought and wind; ideal for erosion control on sunny slopes.
Growth: Low-spreading to medium shrubs.
Site: Sandy or dry clay soils; tolerant of heat and full sun.
Notes: Coastal tolerant; excellent for ground coverage, stabilization, and habitat.
Growth: Dense, rounded shrubs; up to 3 m tall.
Site: Dry, exposed sites; tolerates clay or sandy soils.
Notes: Attractive silver-green foliage reduces sun stress; flowers provide nectar for pollinators.
Trees provide shade, shelter, and long-term structure:
Growth: Tall palm-like tree, up to 10 m.
Site: Sunny terraces, open riverbanks, or coastal areas.
Notes: Highly tolerant of sun, wind, and a wide range of soils. Can be used as a focal point or screening plant.
Growth: Fast-growing, up to 12 m.
Site: Sunny clay, alluvial soils, or terraces.
Notes: Excellent for quick establishment and wind protection; flowers attract native birds.
Growth: Small tree or large shrub, 3–6 m.
Site: Urban clay gardens, sunny terraces.
Notes: Compact habit; provides structure and shelter in exposed sunny sites.
Low-growing plants add texture, movement, and protection to sunny soils:
Phormium varieties Architectural leaves, tolerates wet or dry full sun sites; great for soil stabilization.
Austroderia richardii (Toetoe): Tall, flowing grass; deep roots stabilize slopes and terraces.
Poa cita and Poa astonii: Hardy tussock grasses; form mounds that reduce erosion and conserve soil moisture.
Leptinella squalida and Acaena inermis Purple: Groundcover species that suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and provide a soft contrast to larger shrubs.
Layer Plantings: Use tall trees, medium shrubs, and low groundcovers to create microclimates that protect soil and smaller plants.
Group by Water Needs: While most full sun natives are drought tolerant, grouping plants with similar water requirements simplifies care.
Soil Preparation: Improve clay or compacted soils with organic matter and mulch to retain moisture during dry spells.
Wind Protection: Even sun-tolerant natives benefit from shelter plantings using hardy shrubs like Dodonaea viscosa or Corokia cotoneaster.
Mulch and Groundcovers: Reduce evaporation, stabilize clay soils, and improve aesthetics with species like Acaena inermis or Leptinella squalida.
Full sun native plants are not just visually striking—they are future-proof against climate change:
Heat and Drought: Deep roots and small leaves help plants survive high summer temperatures.
Wind and Storm Tolerance: Tough stems and flexible branching prevent breakage.
Biodiversity Benefits: Nectar and fruits sustain native birds and insects, supporting ecosystem health.
Erosion Control: Grasses and low shrubs prevent soil loss on exposed slopes.
Plant in Autumn or Early Winter: Moist soils help roots establish before summer heat.
Water During Establishment: Even drought-tolerant plants benefit from watering in the first 12 months.
Prune for Form: Shrubs like Corokia and Dodonaea can be lightly pruned to encourage bushy growth.
Monitor Soil Health: Clay soils may require mulching or light organic amendments to improve drainage and fertility.
Creating a thriving full sun garden with New Zealand native plants is both achievable and rewarding. By selecting species adapted to sun, wind, and drought, gardeners can design landscapes that are:
Resilient and low maintenance
Biodiversity-friendly
Visually dynamic with varying heights, textures, and colors
Sustainable, reducing water use and chemical inputs
From structural trees like Cordyline australis to low groundcovers like Leptinella squalida, full sun gardens can showcase the diversity and beauty of New Zealand’s native flora while performing exceptionally in challenging sunny sites.
