Articles

In planting design, not every species should be a standout. Successful landscapes rely on contrast, rhythm, and a clear visual hierarchy. While feature plants create moments of drama or spectacle, equally important are the plants that provide consistency, stability, and cohesion. Liriope excels in that supporting role. It is not a focal point. It doesn’t […]

If you’re looking for a compact bottlebrush for hedging or accent planting, two top contenders are Better John™ Callistemon and Green John™ Callistemon. These modern cultivars offer reliable performance in tough Australian conditions—but how do they differ, and which is right for your project? Better John™ Callistemon viminalis ‘LJ1’ PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/better-john-callistemon/ Green John™ Callistemon viminalis ‘LJ23’ PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/green-john-callistemon/ Similarities Both […]

Selecting the right screening plant is more than a matter of blocking sightlines. It’s about resilience, adaptability, aesthetics, and low maintenance—all in one package. Enter Viburnum, a genus that quietly ticks many of these boxes, offering a compelling case as the ideal urban screen. Viburnums are adaptable, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs that tolerate a wide […]

When privacy, wind protection, and year-round visual interest are non-negotiables, the right screening plant can make or break a landscape design. In New Zealand’s varied climates—from coastal to alpine—selecting resilient, low-maintenance species that also meet aesthetic and functional expectations is essential. Whether for residential boundaries, commercial developments, or public spaces, this guide explores the best […]

Landscape specifiers and designers in New Zealand are increasingly turning to Lomandra species as a robust, adaptable solution for both urban and regional projects. Originally native to Australia, selected cultivars have proven highly effective in erosion control, biodiversity support, and low-input landscaping across a wide range of New Zealand environments. Tanika™ Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tanika-lomandra/ Why […]

While red and blue-toned Dianella cultivars often steal the spotlight, green-foliaged varieties offer a subtler, more naturalistic option for specifiers and designers seeking harmony, versatility, and foliage longevity in designed landscapes. Their vivid greens blend effortlessly with surrounding planting palettes, making them ideal for softening hardscapes, reinforcing biodiverse plantings, or delivering structure in both formal […]

Blue-toned Dianella cultivars offer a striking combination of form, function, and resilience for landscape specifiers and designers in NZ. These strappy-leaved performers don’t just add cool-toned contrast—they deliver low-maintenance structure, year-round interest, and proven adaptability across a range of soil types and urban conditions. But not all blue-toned Dianella are created equal. Which cultivars truly […]

Red foliage brings a bold, eye-catching contrast to the green-dominated palette of most planting schemes. In landscape design, red-leaved plants are used to create focal points, add seasonal interest, and signal transitions between spaces. In New Zealand, a diverse range of native and exotic species can deliver rich burgundy, copper, or crimson tones—whether through new […]

Managing erosion is a top priority for land managers, urban developers, and landscape specifiers alike. Whether it’s stabilising roadside batters, reinforcing swales, or protecting coastal and riparian edges, selecting the right plant species is crucial to long-term success. Among the most dependable options is Lomandra—a group of tough, clumping grasses native to Australia, with several […]

Creating landscapes that support pollinators is both an ecological responsibility and a design opportunity. Native NZ pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and even birds like tūī and korimako are always looking for nectar and pollen in urban areas, and specifiers may wish to integrate plantings that sustain them throughout the year. This article […]