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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA
PTISANA SALICINA:
An at-risk; giant,
lush fern ideal for
deep, damp shade.
Just as native shade-dwellers are highly adept at
colonising the darkest reaches of our landscapes, so
unfortunately are exotic invaders. Invasive species often penetrate deep into native forests and other hardto-reach spaces, resulting in massive challenges for
those who work with the land. As always, it is best to
treat all exotic plant species with some caution. When
used responsibly however, exotics can bring immense
interest and value to designed landscapes
Helleborus foetidus hails from the mountain regions
of Europe and produces massed heads of light green,
cupped flowers in winter and early spring to perfect ly complement its dark green foliage; plant in drifts
or allow to self-seed through shaded gardens areas.
Ligularia reniformus is a lush perennial herb with
large, glossy leaves on erect stems and bright yellow,
daisy-like flowers which, despite its tropical looks, can
be grown in most areas of NZ that are free from heavy
frosts.
Cyclamen hederifolium is a deciduous, tuberous
perennial with rounded, mottled leaves and distinctive
‘nodding’ pink flowers which appear in Autumn; it is
an excellent container plant for seasonal colour and
for introducing an exotic woodland aesthetic to designed landscapes. These and many other shade-loving species remind us that despite being deprived of
life-giving light, the darker corners of our landscapes
need not be deprived of beauty.
NATIVE PLANTS FOR SHADE
HEIGHT(M)
WIDTH(M)
GROWTH FORM
NOTES
Adiantum cunninghamii
0.3
1
Groundcover
Rigorous, creeping fern; forms 'fields' of blue-green foliage; NZ-wide.
Alseuosmia macrophylla
2
1
Shrub
Open habit; strongly scented red-pink tubular flowers; requires moisture.
Astelia trinervia
2
2
Flax-like
Bold, light-green tussocks; largest of the Asteliads; Northern species; slow.
Blechnum colensoi
0.4
1
Spreading fern
Slow, creeping rhizome; deep-green, strappy foliage; coastal to montane.
Brachyglottis sciadophila
4
2
Vine
At risk; yellow flowers; southern species; grows over nearby structure.
Elatostema rugosum
0.5
1
Groundcover
Large purple-green leaves cascade through wet shade; lowland-montane
Freycinetia banksii
3
1
Vine
Lush, strap-like foliage on climbing stems; conspicuous, edible flowers & fruit.
Jovellana sinclairii
0.5
0.6
Shrub
At risk; soft, pale-green foliage; bell-shaped flowers; exotic woodland aesthetic.
Lastreopsis velutina
0.5
0.5
Crown fern
Endemic & NZ-wide; very soft foliage with rusty hairs; will handle deep shade.
Macropiper spp.
2
2
Shrub
Several mainland & offshore varieties; medicinal; excellent 'filler' in dry shade.
Microlaena polynoda
1
1.5
Grass
Dense, bamboo-like stems; scrambling/cascading habit; for northern gardens.
Myrsine australis
5
2
Tree
Reliable, elegant; mottled leaves & red stems; single specimen/clipped hedge.
Olearia polita
3
2
Shrub
Threatened; divaricating; red stems; dark, glossy leaves; damp sites NW Nelson.
Ourisia macrophylla
0.2
0.3
Herb
Foxglove; pure white flowers; lush green foliage; damp shade in cooler climates.
Peperomia blanda
0.3
0.4
Herb
Succculent perennial from Raoul Is; lush, broad foliage; excellent house plant.
Ptisana salicina
3
3
Crown fern
At risk; giant, lush fern for deep, damp shade; pots/gardens; traditional food.
Rhabdothamnus solandri
2
2
Shrub
Sprawling, open habit; yellow/orange striped flowers; pots/planters.
Rhopalostylis sapida
5
3
Palm
Unmistakable lush fronds; shade/shaded roots; use local form; fertilise & mulch.
Aquilegia spp.
0.6
0.4
Herb
Widely cultivated; spurred petals; hardy; many varieties; poisonous parts.
Begonia grandis
0.8
0.8
Shrub
Bold, heart-shaped foliage with red veins; pink flowers; companion for ferns.
Brunnera macrophylla
0.4
1
Groundcover
Dense mounds of heart-shaped leaves, pale markings; sprays of blue flowers.
Convallaria majalis
0.3
0.2
Groundcover
Rhizomatous; lush sword leaves; sweetly scented white blooms; poisonous.
Cyclamen hederifolium
0.2
0.25
Clumping herb
Tuberous, deciduous; woodland aesthetic; white/pink flowers; pots in shade.
Helleborus foetidus
0.8
1
Clumping herb
Handsome folige; masses of green, drooping flowers in winter; nectar for bees.
Hosta spp.
<0.5
<2
Clumping herb
Many varieties available; prized foliage plant; focal point among finer species.
Ligularia reniformus
1
1
Clumping herb
Large, shiny, lush foliage on erect stems; single specimen among ferns; unique.
Tiarella cordifolia
0.3
0.4
Groundcover
Green-bronze, heart-shaped leaves; foamy, white flowers; combine with bulbs.
Trillium grandiflorum
0.8
0.3
Herb
Distinctive, 3-petal white flowers; ephemeral; from deciduous woodlands.
RESPONSIBLE EXOTICS: