Sun Tolerant Plants

Finding it hard to tolerate NZ harsh Sun conditions? Don't worry, we've carefully choosen plants that love those sunny locations.

The majority of our plants are from the sunniest places from around the world allowing them to deal with direct light unlike many other plants.

Did you know? Most succulents and cacti produce a white powdery coating found on the stems and leaves. The white substance is called 'farina', or also called epicuticular wax and plays an important role in your succulent's well-being. Farina gives them a natural sunscreen and raincoat that will help lessen the risk of sunburn and root rot.

Succulents

• Succulents love light and need about 6 hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. 
• Most prefer a little shade during the warmer months (summer) when sunlight is at its peak between 11am - 3pm. This rule is vital when plants are very small as they can be scorched by the sun easily.

Cacti

• Not all cacti are the same, nor do they have the same light requirements, but for the most part, all cactus plants enjoy basking in the sunlight.
• On average, cacti prefer around 8 -12 hours of light per day, but need a minimum of 4 hours of light per day.
• These plants have evolved to retain water in their roots and stems and withstand arid conditions that are typical of the desert. These plants have unique water holding properties, allowing them to survive draught for days or even weeks.

New Zealand Natives

• In NZ we are pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing plants that can deal with full sun. Here are some of our favourite sun hardy native plants;

1. Grasses (Carex)
   
2. Flaxes (Phormium)
3. Manuka (Leptospermum)
4. Nikau Palm (Rhopalostylis sapida)
5. Cabbage Tree (Cordyline)
6. Corokia
7. Coprosma
8. Kowhai
9. Iris (Libertia)
10. Hebe
11. Puka Tree (Meryta sinclairii)
12. Renga Renga / Rock Lily (Arthropodium)

*Propagated/ small plants can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure or provide shelter during the midday sun until they have matured.