What to Grow, Where, and Why
Coastal environments present unique challenges such as salt spray, strong winds, sandy or rocky soils, and exposure to sun and sea air. Selecting native plants naturally adapted to these conditions helps stabilise soils, reduce erosion, and create resilient, vibrant coastal landscapes.
What Makes Coastal Sites Unique
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Salt Exposure: Plants must tolerate salt spray and saline soils.
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Wind: Frequent strong winds can cause physical damage and increase drying.
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Soil Types: Often sandy, well-draining, and nutrient-poor; can include rocky cliffs.
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Sunlight: High exposure to intense sunlight and UV.
What to Plant by Coastal Site Type
|
Site Type |
Best Plant Choices |
Why These Work |
|
Sand dunes & beach edges |
Coprosma acerosa, Coprosma Propinqua, Austrofestuca littoralis, Phormium tenax (Harakeke), Euphorbia glauca (Shore Spurge), |
Excellent sand binders, salt-tolerant, prevent erosion. |
|
Rocky coastal cliffs |
Ozothamnus leptophyllus, Leptinella dioica, Coprosma repens, Olearia solandri, Coprosma robusta, Griselinia littoralis |
Tough, leathery foliage resists salt and wind; anchor in rocky soils. |
|
Coastal shrublands & headlands |
Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka), Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka), Ozothamnus leptophyllus (Tauhinu) |
Hardy shrubs that form shelter belts and habitat in exposed coastal zones. |
Signature Coastal Native Plants
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Phormium cookianum (Mountain flax) – Smaller and more graceful than Harakeke; tolerates coastal winds and salt spray.
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Libertia peregrinans (NZ iris) – Bronze, flax-like foliage with white flowers; thrives in coastal and dry conditions.
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Ozothamnus leptophyllus (Tauhinu) – Silver-grey shrub for exposed coastal hillsides; very wind and drought tolerant.
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Coprosma repens – Dense shrub, ideal for shelter and salt resistance.
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Leptinella dioica (Button daisy) – Tiny mat-forming daisy, ideal for sunny sandy areas; low-growing and very hardy.
Planting Tips for Coastal Sites
|
Tip |
Advice |
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Planting time |
Autumn or early spring to allow establishment before summer winds and salt spray intensify. |
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Soil preparation |
Generally minimal; improve poor sandy soils with organic matter if possible. |
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Shelter |
Use hardy nurse plants or temporary windbreaks to protect young seedlings initially. |
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Watering |
Supplement watering during establishment, especially in dry coastal summers. |
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Mulching |
Apply coarse mulch to conserve moisture and reduce salt splash on stems. |
Why Choose Natives for Coastal Sites?
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Naturally salt- and wind-tolerant, suited to harsh coastal conditions
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Help prevent coastal erosion and stabilise dunes and cliffs
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Provide habitat for native coastal birds and insects
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Require less maintenance and watering once established
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Maintain the natural coastal ecosystem and biodiversity