Introduction
For landscape architects and designers working on playground projects, selecting safe plants is paramount. Some plants have toxic parts, spikes that can cause injury, and flowers that attract European honeybees which can easily sting children playing.
This guide outlines key considerations for choosing plants that ensure children can play safely, and provides a selection of plants which can be sourced and used in New Zealand playgrounds to help children connect with nature without unnecessary risk.
Incorporating the right plants into play areas can provide a soft fall element as well as a chance for children to connect with nature. This plant is Tanika™ Lomandra, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Key Considerations for Safe Plant Selection
When selecting plants for playground, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account.
1. Avoid Nectar and Pollen-Rich Flowers
Choose plant species that do not attract European honeybees, which can sting or irritate children. It’s worth noting that not all flowers attract honeybees, so individual research on plants is important.
2. Exclude Spiky and Poisonous Plants
Avoid plants with sharp thorns, prickly leaves, or toxic properties. Soft spikes are acceptable if they don’t pose a risk to children who may touch or fall onto them.
3. Maintain an Unobstructed Line of Sight
Ensure clear visibility within the playground so caregivers can monitor children effectively, and motorists can see children near roads. Some plants are too tall to be used in certain areas, such as between seating areas and play equipment, or nearby roads which can prevent drivers seeing children when they run toward the road.
4. Provide Shade and Screening
While unobstructed views are important, using shade trees and screening hedges can protect children from excessive sunlight. Protecting children from the harmful effects of excess sun exposure means considering how the sunlight moves throughout the playground at different times of the day, and the year. While a plastic roof cover may protect children playing in the middle of the day, the shade will move in the afternoon when there are still harmful UV rays present.
5. Embrace Low-Maintenance Plants
Opt for species requiring minimal upkeep to avoid frequent maintenance closures, keeping the playground accessible. For example, low-mow turf alternatives can prevent the mowing crew closing down the playground for maintenance every 2-4 weeks.
6. Integrate Soft Fall Plants for Safety
Plants under playground equipment can cushion falls, reducing injury risks and enhancing safety. Choose non-spiky, tough plants that recover quickly from mechanical damage. Strappy monocots are particularly beneficial, as are some soft, compact shrubby ground covers and hedges.
7. Connect Children to Nature
Incorporating plants into playgrounds encourages children to engage with nature, fostering appreciation and holistic development. This includes engaging their five senses and provides ample teaching moments to help children understand the natural world around them.
Summary of Playground Mulch Trial Research
A collaborative study by Ozbreed, Fiona Robbé Landscape Architects, The Hills Bark Blower, and Acousto-Scan highlights the effective use of Playbark pine bark mulch in playgrounds. This mulch offers minimal compaction, sustaining plant vitality, and providing proper drainage at a recommended depth of 300mm with a gradual 1:50 slope. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/playground-mulch-trial/
The research underscores the importance of choosing non-woody plant species for their soft foliage, durability, and low maintenance. Proper placement prevents tripping hazards and mitigates risks from toxic or thorny plants. Larger pot sizes of 200mm/5L or more and an establishment period of at least one month without foot traffic are advised. Fertilising upon mulch application aids successful plant establishment and ongoing health.
Regular Critical Fall Height (CFH) assessments every three years ensure compliance and safety. Incorporating plants enhances CFH ratings and contributes to a visually appealing, engaging playground environment, benefiting biodiversity.
Recommended Plant Varieties
A number of plants have proven themselves to be excellent options for playground plants, which are grown and sold throughout New Zealand.
Best Plants for Fall Zones and Play Areas
Not all plants are equal when it comes to playgrounds and fall zones. The plants below are all suitable for play areas and children. These plants are all perfect:
Evergreen Baby™ Lomandra longifolia subsp. exilis ‘LM600’ PVR
Evergreen Baby™ Lomandra is a compact and fine-leaved evergreen plant. This Lomandra variety thrives in conditions ranging from drought to periodic wet feet, making it an excellent choice for playground environments where resilience is crucial. The plant blooms with golden flowers in spring and is sterile, reducing maintenance concerns. It is particularly resistant to Phytophthora, and does not display hard spikes like other lomandras.
Size
Evergreen Baby™ grows to a height of 40-45 cm and spreads approximately 40 cm wide. It is suitable for planting at a density of 4-8 plants per square metre or 2-4 plants per linear metre.
Preferences
This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, from sandy loam to heavy clay. It performs best in full sun to part shade conditions and tolerates frost, drought, and periods of wet feet. For optimal growth, water as required during the establishment phase, typically 8-13 weeks. Planting in well-mulched gardens is recommended, with chunky mulch preferred. To maintain its aesthetic appeal and health, use slow-release fertiliser in spring and consider pruning back 15 cm above the ground every 3-5 years. Occasional watering may be necessary during dry periods.
Evergreen Baby Lomandra doesn’t obstruct line of sight. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/evergreen-baby-lomandra/
Tanika™ Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PVR
Tanika™ Lomandra is recognised as one of the toughest and most reliable landscape plants ever bred. This evergreen plant features an improved compact fine leaf form, making it both low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing for landscape professionals and gardeners. It produces small yellow flowers in spring and has soft foliage and flowers, making it safe and enjoyable for children.
Size:
The Tanika™ Lomandra typically grows to a height and width of approximately 70-90 cm. The recommended planting density is 2-4 plants per square metre or 1-3 plants per linear metre.
Preferences:
Tanika™ Lomandra is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, sandy loam, and clay soils. Its only weakness is excess moisture or humidity, so it’s important to avoid waterlogged conditions. This plant thrives in full sun to moderate shade, and can withstand both frost and drought, making it suitable for diverse climates.
For optimal growth, water as required during the establishment phase, which typically lasts 8-13 weeks. Planting in well-mulched gardens with chunky mulch is recommended. Ensure the crown or base of the plant is not below the soil or mulch level. If necessary, use slow-release fertiliser in spring and consider pruning back 15 cm above the ground every 3-10 years, depending on maintenance preferences.
Tanika Lomandra in its element. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tanika-lomandra/
Little Jess™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCMP01’ PVR
Little Jess™ Dianella is a compact, clumping plant that is celebrated for its low maintenance and durability. This dwarf variety features very short, robust canes that remain upright without falling over. From September to November, it produces abundant purple flowers, adding a splash of colour to any setting. Little Jess™ outperforms other Dianella caerulea varieties in drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for resilient landscaping. Dianella flowers attract buzz pollinators but not European honeybees.
Size:
Little Jess™ Dianella reaches an approximate height and width of 40 cm. It is well-suited for dense planting, with a recommended density of 6-10 plants per square metre or 3-5 plants per linear metre.
Preferences:
This versatile plant adapts well to a wide range of soil types but performs best when poor soils are avoided. It thrives in full sun to moderate shade, making it flexible for various light conditions. Little Jess™ is also highly tolerant of different climates, enduring drought, humidity, and frost with ease.
To ensure successful establishment, water the plant as required during the first 8-13 weeks. Planting in well-mulched gardens, preferably using chunky mulch, is advisable. Care should be taken to ensure that the crown or base of the plant is not buried below soil or mulch level. Applying a slow-release fertiliser in the spring can further promote healthy growth. Pruning is minimal; trimming back half the height every 2-8 years is recommended, with more frequent trimming (every 2-3 years) beneficial in garden settings and less frequent trimming (every 4-8 years) suitable for roadside plantings. Dead heading is optional because spent flower stalks disappear beneath the foliage.
Little Jess Dianella is beautiful, tough, and safe for kids. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/little-jess-dianella/
Breeze™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCNC0’ PVR
Breeze™ Dianella is a robust ground cover plant that stands out for its tidy appearance and lack of messy straw-brown canes, which are common in other Dianella caerulea varieties. This variety is another neat and orderly option without above-ground canes. Breeze™ Dianella is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves practical purposes such as erosion control.
Size:
Breeze™ Dianella reaches a height and width of 60-70 cm. For optimal planting density, it is recommended to use 4-6 plants per square metre or 2-3 plants per linear metre. This plant is 40% larger than Little Jess™ Dianella, providing more coverage with fewer plants.
Preferences:
This versatile plant thrives in full sun to part shade, tolerating a range of light conditions. It’s moderately drought-tolerant and can withstand humidity and cold climates, making it adaptable to various environmental settings. Breeze™ Dianella is suited to a wide variety of soils, although it is best to avoid very poor soils. Its underground rhizomes ensure excellent survival in cold conditions, making it suitable for both wet and cold areas in New Zealand, where it can perennialise despite some foliage browning off.
For successful establishment, water the plant as required during the first 8-13 weeks. It should be planted in a well-mulched space, with chunky mulch recommended. Care must be taken to ensure that the crown or base of the plant is not buried below soil level. If necessary, apply slow-release fertiliser in spring. Pruning requirements are minimal; trimming back to one-third of its height every 5-8 years is generally sufficient, though yearly trimming may be beneficial in colder areas.
Breeze Dianella is a medium-sized Australian flax plant that’s perfect for playgrounds and mass planting. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/breeze-dianella/
Just Right™ Liriope muscari
Just Right™ Liriope is a versatile and uniform plant perfect for various landscapes and playground settings. Its compact, evergreen foliage makes it an excellent alternative to larger varieties, offering more resilience against frost and sunburn. Additionally, this variety is highly tolerant of wet feet and rarely, if ever, produces viable seeds, which reduces maintenance and invasive weed concerns in playground settings.
Size:
Just Right™ Liriope typically reaches a height and width of 50 cm. For optimal ground coverage, it’s recommended to plant 4-9 plants per square metre or 2-4 plants per linear metre. This size makes it ideal for playground fall zones, mass plantings, roadsides, feature plantings, and garden borders.
Preferences:
This robust plant thrives in full sun to heavy shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions within a landscape. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, and it can withstand both heat and frost, making it suitable for diverse climates across New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
To establish Just Right™ Liriope successfully, water as required during the initial 8-13 weeks. It should be planted in well-mulched gardens, with chunky mulch recommended. Ensure that the base of the plant is not covered with soil or mulch. If necessary, apply slow-release fertiliser in spring and trim older leaves as required. For optimal appearance, consider cutting back the plant every 4-6 years, although more frequent pruning may yield better results.
Just Right Liriope is an ideal playground plant, doubling as a low-mow turf alternative. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/just-right-liriope/
Amethyst™ Liriope muscari
Amethyst™ Liriope is a semi-compact plant with stunning deep purple flowers that sit prominently above the foliage. Unlike most Liriope varieties, Amethyst™ Liriope features beautiful, long-lasting blooms that don’t attract bees, making it a standout in any playground. This variety forms attractive dark green clumps and maintains excellent foliage form, offering a neat and tidy appearance throughout the year. It is particularly suitable for playground fall zones, mass plantings, rockeries, flower gardens, and as a specimen plant.
Size:
Amethyst™ Liriope reaches a height and width of 40 cm, making it a perfect option for dense planting. The recommended planting density is 6-10 plants per square metre or 3-5 plants per linear metre. This compact size ensures it provides ample coverage without compromising line of sight, making it ideal for playgrounds and fall zones.
Preferences:
Amethyst™ Liriope thrives in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, exhibiting impressive adaptability. It performs well in full sun to moderately heavy shade, ensuring it can be planted in various positions within a landscape. This variety is resilient to frost, drought, and humidity, making it suitable for diverse climates across New Zealand, including both northerly humid regions and bitterly cold areas.
To establish Amethyst™ Liriope successfully, water as required during the initial 8-13 weeks. Planting in well-mulched gardens is recommended, with chunky mulch providing the best results. Slow-release fertiliser should be applied in spring to promote healthy growth. It is advisable to cut back the plant to the ground each year in late winter, which allows new shoots to emerge cleanly and rejuvenates the plant’s appearance. While annual pruning is ideal, new growth will eventually cover any discoloured leaves if cutting back isn’t feasible on larger projects.
Amethyst Liriope has beautiful flowers that won’t attract European honeybees. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/amethyst-liriope-muscari/
Mundi™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES05’ PVR
Mundi™ Westringia, known botanically as Westringia fruticosa ‘WES05’ PVR, is a robust and attractive ground cover shrub that requires minimal maintenance while providing abundant visual appeal. This plant produces masses of white flowers and maintains a tidy form without the need for frequent pruning. Its versatility makes it suitable for various landscaping applications, including playground fall zones, tough roadside environments and low-maintenance gardens.
Flowers Attract Honeybees:
Westringia flowers do attract honeybees, so you need to keep this in mind. Regular pruning can suppress the flowering, although westringias will always carry the risk of attracting honeybees. Even though this plant is a good fall zone plant because of its soft foliage and resilient nature, it’s not suitable for spaces where honeybees aren’t desirable. It’s included in this list because honeybees are desirable in certain therapeutic horticulture settings for children.
Size:
The Mundi™ Westringia typically grows to a height of 40-50 cm and spreads to a width of approximately 1.5 metres. For effective coverage, it is recommended to plant 1-3 plants per square metre. This size allows it to provide broad coverage while remaining low enough for safety in playgrounds and fall zones.
Preferences:
Mundi™ Westringia thrives in full sun to part shade, and is well-suited to sandy soils and well-drained clay soils. This plant tolerates both cold and drought, making it an excellent choice for diverse climates found in New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
To establish Mundi™ Westringia effectively, water as required during the initial 8-13 weeks. Planting in a well-mulched space is recommended, with chunky mulch providing the best results. If necessary, apply slow-release fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth. Pruning is minimal; it can be pruned 1-3 times a year after flowering for a tidy shape or left unpruned for a more natural form. Prune more regularly to discourage flowering in westringias.
If you aren’t concerned about attracting honeybees, westringias such as Mundi Westringia have soft vegetation that kids love. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/mundi-westringia/
Grey Box™ Westringia ‘WES04’ PVR
Grey Box™ Westringia is a hardy and compact shrub known for its attractive grey foliage and white flowers that bloom from September to May. This plant serves as an excellent drought-tolerant alternative to the traditional English Box, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscaping. It can be used effectively as a low hedge, border plant, or left in its natural ball shape without pruning, providing great colour contrast in various garden settings.
Flowers Attract Honeybees:
Westringia flowers do attract honeybees, so you need to keep this in mind. Regular pruning can suppress the flowering, although westringias will always carry the risk of attracting honeybees. Even though this plant is a good fall zone plant because of its soft foliage and resilient nature, it’s not suitable for spaces where honeybees aren’t desirable. It’s included in this list because honeybees are desirable in certain therapeutic horticulture settings for children.
Size:
Grey Box™ Westringia typically grows to a height and width of 30-45 cm when left unpruned. When pruned, it maintains a more uniform size of approximately 30 cm high and wide. For optimal planting density, it is recommended to use 3-6 plants per square metre or 2-3 plants per linear metre. This compact form ensures that it provides sufficient coverage while remaining manageable and aesthetically pleasing.
Preferences:
Grey Box™ Westringia thrives in full sun to light shade, suits most soil types, and is particularly tolerant of flooding, frost and drought, making it a robust choice for diverse climates found in New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
To establish Grey Box™ Westringia successfully, water as needed during the initial 8-13 weeks. It is best planted in a well-mulched garden, with chunky mulch recommended to achieve optimal growth conditions. If necessary, apply slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy development. The plant can be left unpruned to maintain its tidy natural shape or pruned 1-3 times a year after flowering to achieve a more structured form based on specific landscaping needs. Remember that westringias do attract honeybees, so exercise caution in playground settings.
If you’re looking for a plant to position in depressed areas that get flooded periodically, Grey Box is an excellent option. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/grey-box-westringia/
Low Horizon™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES06’ PVR
Low Horizon™ Westringia is an ultra-compact ground cover plant that features much shorter internodes and a flat habit. This variety possibly requires the lowest maintenance among ground cover westringias and is designed to maintain a tight, neat appearance with low pruning needs. Its dense growth makes it an excellent option for fall zones, however beware westringia flowers do attract honeybees.
Flowers Attract Honeybees:
Westringia flowers do attract honeybees, so you need to keep this in mind. Regular pruning can suppress the flowering, although westringias will always carry the risk of attracting honeybees. Even though this plant is a good fall zone plant because of its soft foliage and resilient nature, it’s not suitable for spaces where honeybees aren’t desirable. It’s included in this list because honeybees are desirable in certain therapeutic horticulture settings for children.
Size:
The Low Horizon™ Westringia grows to a height of 30 cm and spreads to a width of approximately 70 cm. For optimal coverage and density, it’s recommended to plant 2-3 plants per square metre or 2-3 plants per linear metre.
Preferences:
This versatile plant thrives in full sun to part shade, allowing it to adapt to various lighting conditions. It suits sandy soils and clay soils that have the ability to drain reasonably well. Low Horizon™ Westringia is tolerant of both cold and drought, making it well-suited for diverse climates found in New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
To establish Low Horizon™ Westringia successfully, water as needed during the initial 8-13 weeks. It should be planted in a well-mulched garden, with chunky mulch recommended for optimal growth. If required, slow-release fertiliser should be applied in spring. While pruning is minimal, it can be performed occasionally to maintain a tighter appearance based on specific landscaping needs. Pruning more regularly may discourage excess flowering.
Low Horizon Westringia has denser foliage than other varieties, although it can’t tolerate wet feet. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/low-horizon-westringia/
Blush™ Nandina domestica ‘AKA’ PVR
Blush™ Nandina is a striking medium-sized dwarf Nandina that stands out for its vibrant red new growth during spring and autumn. In the winter months, the whole plant transforms entirely into a vivid red hue, including older leaves. This variety is 20% smaller than the typical Nandina domestica ‘Nana’, making it an excellent choice for low hedges, borders, or as a playground fall zone plant. Notably, Blush™ Nandina does not spread from seed, ensuring it is a safe option around bushland areas. While it does flower, it’s not a concern for attracting honeybees in significant numbers.
Size:
Blush™ Nandina grows to a height and width of 60-70 cm. For effective coverage, it is recommended to plant 3-6 plants per square metre or 2-3 plants per linear metre. This size is ideal for creating dense and visually appealing plantings in playgrounds and fall zones.
Preferences:
Blush™ Nandina thrives in full sun to moderate shade, and is highly tolerant of drought and frost, making it suitable for diverse climates across New Zealand’s North and South Islands. The plant adapts well to free-draining as well as heavy clay soils, displaying versatility in various soil types.
To establish Blush™ Nandina effectively, water as needed during the initial 8-13 weeks. It should be planted in a well-mulched garden, with chunky mulch providing optimal growth conditions. If required, slow-release fertiliser can be applied in spring. The plant can be left unpruned for a natural look or pruned every three years to maintain a desired shape.
Blush Nandina has intense, vibrant red foliage for most of the year. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/blush-nandina/
Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PVR
Obsession™ Nandina is a refined breed of the popular dwarf Nandina ‘Gulf Stream’. This exotic plant is renowned for its vibrant red new growth that appears throughout most of the year, with a full flush of red during the winter months. The name ‘SEIKA’, meaning ‘sacred fire’ in Japanese, reflects the striking colour of its foliage. Obsession™ Nandina features a dense, upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for low hedges, feature plants, or as an ornamental shrub in playground settings.
Size:
Obsession™ Nandina grows to a height and width of 60-70 cm. For effective coverage, it’s recommended to plant 3-6 plants per square metre or 2-3 plants per linear metre. This compact size provides ample coverage while maintaining a manageable form, making it ideal for playgrounds and fall zones.
Preferences:
Obsession™ Nandina thrives in full sun to moderate shade, tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils, and is resilient to both cold and drought, making it suitable across diverse climates found in New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
To establish Obsession™ Nandina effectively, water as needed during the initial 8-13 weeks. It should be planted in a well-mulched garden, with chunky mulch recommended for optimal growth conditions. If required, apply slow-release fertiliser in spring. Pruning is minimal; trimming can be performed every 2-3 years to maintain the desired shape and health of the plant. Alternatively, pruning can be avoided altogether for a natural appearance.
Obsession Nandina is an amazing plant for playground settings. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/obsession-nandina/
Conclusion
Careful plant selection and placement in playgrounds enhances aesthetic appeal and plays a crucial role in creating a safe, engaging, and nature-inspired environment for children. Some flowering plants, especially Westringia species, may attract stinging bees. Even though they’re excellend fall one plants when they’re not in flower, consider planting them away from play areas, with regular pruning to control flowering.