A little guidance on selecting plants for a specific purpose, such as privacy screening, erosion control, and attracting wildlife in New Zealand

Selecting the right plants for landscaping in New Zealand requires considering the specific purpose of the landscaping project. Here are some recommendations for different purposes:

Privacy Screening

1. Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)
   • Features: Dark green to purple-black leaves, small fragrant flowers in spring.
   • Growth Rate: Fast-growing, can reach up to 5 meters in height.
   • Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
2. Griselinia littoralis (Kapuka or Broadleaf)
   • Features: Light green, glossy leaves, small inconspicuous flowers.
   • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast-growing, can reach 4-5 meters.
   • Planting Tips: Tolerates a wide range of soils, prefers full sun.
   • Maintenance: Occasional pruning to maintain hedge shape.
3. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)
   • Features: Small, needle-like leaves, white to pink flowers.
   • Growth Rate: Moderate, can reach 2-3 meters.
   • Planting Tips: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun.
   • Maintenance: Minimal, prune lightly to maintain shape.

Erosion Control

1. Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)
   • Features: Long, sword-shaped leaves, tall flower spikes.
   • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, clump-forming.
   • Planting Tips: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Low, remove old leaves as needed.
2. Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)
   • Features: Glossy, green leaves, small orange berries.
   • Growth Rate: Fast-growing, can reach 2-3 meters.
   • Planting Tips: Tolerates poor soil, full sun to partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Low, prune to control size and shape.
3. Astelia
   • Features: Striking silver or green foliage, clump-forming.
   • Growth Rate: Moderate, forms dense clumps.
   • Planting Tips: Prefers well-drained soil, partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Low, remove old leaves as needed.

Attracting Wildlife

1. Hebe
   • Features: Evergreen, various flower colors (purple, white, pink).
   • Growth Rate: Moderate, compact growth.
   • Planting Tips: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Low, deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
2. Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa)
   • Features: Large red flowers, evergreen, and hardy.
   • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, can become a large tree (up to 20 meters).
   • Planting Tips: Tolerates coastal conditions, prefers well-drained soil, full sun.
   • Maintenance: Minimal, suitable for coastal areas.
3. Sophora (Kowhai)
   • Features: Deciduous, bright yellow flowers, attractive foliage.
   • Growth Rate: Moderate, can reach 8-10 meters.
   • Planting Tips: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun.
   • Maintenance: Moderate, prune after flowering to maintain shape and health.

Additional Types of Landscaping Plants

Flowering Plants

1. Arthropodium cirratum (Renga Renga Lily)
   • Features: Clusters of white flowers, broad leaves.
   • Growth Rate: Moderate, forms clumps.
   • Planting Tips: Prefers shade to partial sun, well-drained soil.
   • Maintenance: Low, remove spent flower stalks.
2. Clematis paniculata (Puawhananga)
   • Features: White, fragrant flowers, climbing habit.
   • Growth Rate: Fast-growing, can reach up to 10 meters.
   • Planting Tips: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Prune after flowering to control growth.

Ground Covers

1. Acaena inermis (Bidibid)
   • Features: Low-growing, bronze-red foliage, small flowers.
   • Growth Rate: Fast, forms dense mats.
   • Planting Tips: Well-drained soil, full sun.
   • Maintenance: Low, occasional trimming to maintain density.
2. Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)
   • Features: Twining stems, small leaves, tiny flowers.
   • Growth Rate: Fast-growing, sprawling habit.
   • Planting Tips: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
   • Maintenance: Low, trim to control spread.

General Planting Tips

• Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with compost.
• Mulching: Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Watering: Regular watering, especially during establishment, is crucial.
• Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer suitable for the specific plant species.