Perennials - Just Arrived
In designing with plants, it is the perennials that ensure that there is constant change, and that there is always an element of surprise or interest in the garden.
Getting to know the dormant and flowering periods of the plants is essential to achieving the right balance in the design, so that as one perennial goes to sleep, another awakens.
Perennials, perhaps more than any other group of plants, are available in a huge range of colours, forms, textures and fragrances in both foliage and flower. There are perennials suitable for almost every area of the garden: from full sun to full shade, in large gardens or small beds and to suit every mood or style. Popular perennial plants include Penstemon, Gaura, Canna, Dahlias, Salvias, Lupins, Columbines, Lilies, Delphiniums and Hellebores - oh! the list is endless.
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A perennial plant (Latin per, "through", annum, "year") is a plant that lives for more than two years, unlike an Annual which grows, sets seed, gayly disperses it and then dies - all in a single season. Perennial plants are divided into two large groups: those that are woody and those that are herbaceous. They can be short-lived (only a few years) or they can be long-lived, and can vary in size from only a few millimeters to over 10 meters tall. They include a wide assortment of plant groups from Ferns to the highly diverse flowering plants like Orchids and Ornamental Grasses.
Perennials typically grow structures that allow them to adapt to living from one year to the next. These structures include bulbs, tubers, woody crowns, rhizomes plus others. They might have specialized stems or crowns that allow them to survive periods of dormancy over cold or dry seasons during the year. Many perennials have adapted to survive under extreme environmental conditions: some can survive hot dry conditions, or cold temperatures. These plants tend to invest a lot of resource into their adaptations and often do not flower and set seed until after a few years of growth.
Many perennials produce relatively large seeds, which can have an advantage as they produce larger seedlings after germination that can better compete with other plants or more quickly develop leaves, ensuring their survival.
In warmer climates, perennials grow continuously. In seasonal climates, their growth is limited to the growing season. For example, in temperate regions a perennial plant may grow and bloom during the warm part of the year, with the foliage dying back in the winter. These plants are deciduous perennials. Regrowth is from existing stem tissue. In some species, perennials retain their foliage all year round; these are evergreen perennials. Come in and take a look around. We've always got something pretty, perky and persuasive in the perennial line.
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The Valley series has been bred as a mid-sized plant, with a much tidier habit than other picking Alstroemeria. Beach Valley features mid-sized stems of white blooms with a yellow eye. Easy care, prefers full sun and good drainage. Cut off at ground level if it gets untidy. Apply slug bait regularly.
Alstroemeria are one of the longest lasting flowers in a vase.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 30cm
Alstroemeria Beach Valley
Expected Stock Height: 20/25 cm ?
Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.
aka Peruvian Lily Inticancha
Bred for its compact habit and long flowering period - spring to autumn - this little perennial is definitely a top performer. Large blooms in tones of apricot and peach that would look great combined with terracotta. Plant in sun or semi-shade in well drained soil. Perennial. PVR
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 75cm
Alstroemeria Bryce
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$36.99
aka Peruvian lily Inticancha
Bright red flowers with a flash of lemon. The best, non-invasive, ultra-dwarf flowering in the world. The blooms are larger with more intense colours. They are easily the best dwarf Alstroemerias, offering eight months of flowers that are ideal for cutting.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 40cm
Alstroemeria Doba
Expected Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.
aka Peruvian lily Inticancha
Inticancha series. A stunning deep indigo purple lily. Inticancha is a series of strong pot alstroemerias that are easy to maintain, that flower from spring until autumn. Plants are compact, with elegant bright petals. Best results achieved in well drained acid soil, full /part sun. Perennial. PVR.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 60cm
Alstroemeria Indigo
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$36.99
aka Peruvian Lily Inticancha
Peruvian Lily - Inticancha series. Maya offers soft pink and white blooms in such profusion they smother the attractive green foliage. Great for cutting and happy in borders and containers. Prefers well drained soil in a partly shaded, sheltered site. Hardy perennial.
Dead head by pulling the flowers stems gently from the bottom of the plant, the resulting ‘wound’ then initiates new flowers.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 30cm
Alstroemeria Maya
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$36.99
aka Peruvian lily Inticancha
Peruvian Lily. Inticancha Series. Bred to be compact and uniform in habit while still providing maximum flower power. White blooms with pale lilac throat that will put on a show from summer to autumn. Lovely to pick. Plant in sun or part shade in well drained acid soil for best results. Perennial.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 45cm
Alstroemeria Moon
Expected Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.
aka Peruvian Lily
Summer Paradise Series. Soft pink edges with a white throat on flowers which are perfect for picking. Taller than our other varieties Summer Holiday flowers on strong stems and stays compact and upright in your garden for weeks. Great for picking. Forms a nice compact clump in the garden or a container. Perennial.
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size (HxW): 75cm x 60cm
Alstroemeria Summer Break
Expected Stock Height: 20/25 cm ?
This plant is in high demand and supply is limited this year. Add to your Waitlist for updates on next available stock.
aka Peruvian lily Inticancha
Peruvian Lily. Inticancha Series. Bred to be compact and uniform in habit while still providing maximum flower power. Vivid pink and yellow blooms that will put on a show from summer to autumn. Lovely to pick. Plant in sun or part shade in well drained acid soil for best results. Perennial. PVR.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 45cm
Alstroemeria Sunshine
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: pb8 ?
$36.99
aka Canna
These sturdy perennials are growing in popularity with their attractive yellow and green foliage making a strong statement with the added bonus of bright orange blooms which appear from summer onwards - they can flower for up to 6 months. Mulch in winter to protect from frost. PVR. Perennial
PVR:
Habit: Spreading
Leaves: Deciduous, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): 1.5m x 0.5m
Canna Tropicanna
Current Stock Height: 20/30 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
aka Canna
These sturdy perennials are growing in popularity with their attractive yellow and green striped foliage making a strong statement in the garden. Bright yellow flowers with splashes of orange in the centre appear from summer, if looked after they can flower for up to 6 months. Perennial.
Cut back after flowering and mulch the rhizomes for winter protection. Perennial.
PVR:
Habit: Spreading
Leaves: Deciduous, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): 1.5m x 0.5m
Canna Tropicanna Gold
Current Stock Height: 20/30 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
aka Autumn Sedge
Wetland Native - Autumn Sedge. Attractive tufts of coarse green foliage with strong bronze tones. Summer seed-heads of dark brown. Will grow happily in moist damp conditions in sun or part shade. Tough and robust, great for mass planting in difficult spots. Evergreen.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 0.75m x 0.6m
Carex Dipsacea
Current Stock Height: 40/50 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$12.99
Carex Dipsacea
Current Stock Height: 10/25 cm ?
Container: 0.5l ?
$9.99
aka Tussock, NZ Sedge
This native 'grass' is really tough and hardy tolerating cold winds and almost any soil. The brick-orange foliage looks very graceful as it waves and dances in the wind. Ideal for planting in large drifts. If the clumps become a little untidy just chop back hard for renewed vigour. Evergreen.
Leaves: Evergreen, Brown
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 60cm x 50cm
Carex Testacea
Current Stock Height: 20/30 cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$24.99
Stock of this item is very low.
Carex Testacea
Current Stock Height: 30/40 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
Carex Testacea
Current Stock Height: 15/25 cm ?
Container: 0.5l ?
$9.99
NZ Native Grass that is a successful colonising plant often used for wetland planting that can also grow on dry sites making it suitable for planting where the conditions may vary periodically. Virgata is a mass of green needle foliage. Tolerant coastal condition. Evergreen.
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 100cm x 100cm
Carex Virgata
Current Stock Height: 15/25 cm ?
Container: 0.5l ?
$9.99
Pavillon Blue has gorgeous Soft blue flowers that appear at the end of Summer. A versatile shrub for the border. Attractive to butterflies. Good for cut flowers. Hardy and drought tolerant. Prefers full sun and well drained soil.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Semi-Evergreen, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 50cm x 50cm
Caryopteris Pavillion Blue
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$24.99
Pavillon Pink has gorgeous Soft pink flowers that appear at the end of Summer. A versatile shrub for the border. Attractive to butterflies. Good for cut flowers. Hardy and drought tolerant. Prefers full sun and well drained soil.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 60cm x 70cm
Caryopteris Pavillion Pink
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$24.99
aka Kingfisher Daisy
This lovely daisy simply flowers it head off! The beautiful bright blue shade of the flowers contrasts well with the golden centre. Plant in a well drained sunny position and protect from harsh frost. Ideal container plant. Dead head regularly to encourage more flowers.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Felicia Gold Sapphire
Current Stock Height: 15/25 cm ?
Container: 1.3l ?
$19.99
aka Blue Oat Grass
Blue Oat Grass. Highly desirable perennial 'grass' that has arching, blue-grey, needles of foliage that form a robust clump. Panicles of cream 'oat' like flowers appear in summer. Hardy and easy to grow as long as your soil is well drained. Looks great as an edging or mass planted. Evergreen.
Though this is generally a neat and tidy 'grass' it can be sheared back to encourage new growth if it starts to look a bit scruffy. This is usually done in late winter - just before spring.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Blue
Mature Size (HxW): 60cm x 60cm
Helictotrichon Sempervirens
Current Stock Height: 10/20 cm ?
Container: 10.5cm ?
$9.99
aka Day Lily
'Stella Bella' is an extremely tolerant and hardy Day Lily that has been known to bloom for up to 6 months! The flowers are a warm yellow and not overly large. Perfect for mass planting. Happiest in sun but will tolerate some shade. Evergreen.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 50cm
Hemerocallis Stella Bella
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
An extremely tolerant, compact,fast growing and hardy dwarf Day Lily that has been known to bloom for up to 6 months! The flowers are peach in colour and not overly large. Perfect for mass planting. Happiest in sun but will tolerate some shade. Evergreen depending on location.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 50cm x 50cm
Hemerocallis Tangerine
Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
aka Coral bells
A simply fabulous foliage plant with undulating leaves in shades of amber, peach and bronze. The little bell flowers appear on stiff stems in summer but really its all about the foliage. Happiest in morning sun in soil that does not dry out completely in summer. Evergreen.
Heucheras look best planted in groups and can be used as an edging or for mass planting under trees. 'Marmalade' has been bred to tolerate sun but really does best with dappled light or morning sun in NZ.
PVR:
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Brown
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x 30cm
Heuchera Marmalade
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$21.99
aka Alum Root Coral Bells
With stunning year round colours of orange-Autumn tone foliage in early spring and fall it is very eye catching. Spikes of bell-shaped flowers shimmy above reddish stems in summer. Provides bold texture and color contrast in mixed containers or borders in bright or dappled shade. Cold hardy.
A superb companion with other seasonal garden color. Can tolerate more sun than most Heucheras.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Brown
Mature Size (HxW): 35cm x 50cm
Heuchera Northern Exposure Amber
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.3l ?
$21.99
Silver leaves with striking deep mauve veining. The habit is a good robust mound, and again it appears to be a tough and reliable performer. This one could well deserve a prominent place in your shade garden. Best with some shade and good soil that does not dry out too much. Evergreen. Perennial.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 50cm
Heuchera Sugar Plum
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$21.99
A clump forming perennial that is mainly grow for the striking foliage. Happy Hour Lime provides incredibly healthy true lime green foliage with no yellowing or veining. Vigorous and quick to establish and non invasive. Prefers Part or full shade in moist, humus rich soil. Take care not to bury the crown when planting. Easy care, Hardy.
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 50cm
Heucherella Happy Hour Lime
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$21.99
aka English Lavender
Lavandula. Destined to become a favourite because of its ability to bloom the first year and to flower from early summer to early autumn. The grey-green foliage forms a compact mound topped with plump, rich violet purple flowers that are perfect for cutting for fresh and dried bouquets. Perennial.
Habit: Bushy
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 40cm
Lavender Sweet Romance
Current Stock Height: 10/20 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$24.99
From the shasta daisy family this new improved form has gorgeous fancy fringed central petals on large blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. Great for picking or en masse in the garden. The flower is cream to lemon with contrasting deep yellow centre. They have improved disease resistance.
Deadhead to encourage repeat flowering
Habit: Bushy
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 90cm x 40cm
Leucanthemum Charmer
Expected Stock Height: 30/40 cm ?
Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.
aka Mat Rusher
This Aussie perennial is ideal for group planting in sun or part shade. Fine needles of lime-green foliage form an attractive clump and look good all year round. Little stems of yellow fragrant flowers in summer. Tolerates poor soil but likes good drainage. Easy to grow. Evergreen.
PVR:
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 60cm x 50cm
Lomandra Lime Tuff
Current Stock Height: 20/30 cm ?
Container: 1l ?
$19.99
Lomandra Lime Tuff
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 2l ?
$22.99
Lomandra Lime Tuff
Expected Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?
New stock expected Middle of April, 2026. Waitlist now. Estimated price TBA. Payment on order.
aka Black eyed susan
Rudbeckias are also known as ‘Black Eyed Susans’. A wonderful perennial to give vibrant and cheerful colour from late summer right through approximately 3 months of flowering into late Autumn/Winter. Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ is a new variety bred for an absolute abundance of gold flowers with a dark black central seed cone, on a neatly compact habit. Perennial
Habit: Compact
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 40cm x 40cm
Rudbeckia Little Gold Star
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$21.99
HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: