5 Native NZ Plants That Look Great in Corten Steel-Style Planters (Plus Tips for a Cohesive Garden Design)

5 Native NZ Plants That Look Great in Corten Steel-Style Planters (Plus Tips for a Cohesive Garden Design)

Why Corten Steel Style Works In Kiwi Gardens

The corten steel style has found a home in New Zealand gardens—and for good reason. Its rich, earthy tones blend easily with native greenery and give outdoor spaces a tidy, well-planned look. It fits into both traditional and modern garden layouts, making it a safe and stylish option no matter what kind of backyard you’re working with.

Many corten steel-style planters in New Zealand aren’t made from true corten steel, but from lighter, recyclable coated materials that mimic the same weathered finish. That makes them easier to manage, longer-lasting in coastal areas, and better suited to New Zealand’s shifting weather.

But choosing the right planter is only half the story. What you plant inside it matters just as much.

Why Native Plants Are A Natural Fit

New Zealand’s native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate, which makes them easier to care for in the long run. They can handle drought conditions, thrive in our soil, and support the local ecosystem. For those who want low-maintenance native plants that also look good in modern outdoor setups, native flora offers plenty of great choices.

They don’t just survive—they contribute. Native plants invite pollinators, stabilise soil, and require fewer chemical inputs. This is especially helpful when working with containers, where soil volume and drainage matter more than in-ground beds.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Native Plants In Containers? 

Native plants are hardy, require less watering, and typically need fewer nutrients. This makes them well-suited for pots and raised beds where root space is limited.

Pairing native plants with corten steel-style planters is one way to combine aesthetics and function. The contrast of rich planter colours with soft or silver-toned foliage looks sharp without being over-the-top.

 

Top Native Plants For Corten Steel Style Planters

Whether you’re working with a compact courtyard or a larger backyard, these five native plants work beautifully in corten steel-style containers. Each brings its own texture, colour, and personality.

1. Libertia peregrinans (NZ Iris)

  • Look: Copper-bronze leaves that pop against rust-toned planters
  • Care: Prefers sun, well-drained soil
  • Why it works: Matches the tone of corten steel-style planters while providing movement and colour contrast year-round

Libertia is ideal for container gardening in NZ due to its tidy size and low upkeep. It fills space without overwhelming it.

2. Astelia chathamica (Silver Spear)

  • Look: Silvery-green foliage with bold, sword-like leaves
  • Care: Likes partial shade and moist but not soggy soil
  • Why it works: Stands out beautifully against the earthy background of corten tones
  • How Do You Prevent Overwatering In Metal Planters? Make sure your corten steel-style planter has proper drainage holes and use a soil mix designed for good aeration. Avoid placing saucers underneath unless needed for indoor use.

Use Astelia to bring structure and drama to your layout. Its colour reflects light and pairs well with minimalist garden styles.

3. Carex secta (NZ Sedge)

  • Look: Arching, fine-textured grass with bronze-green tones
  • Care: Tolerates wet conditions and is easy to grow
  • Why it works: Adds movement and softness, creating a contrast with the rigid shape of steel planters

Can You Grow Grasses In Corten Steel Planters? 

Yes, ornamental grasses like Carex work well in Corten steel-style planters. They thrive in well-drained soil and bring texture to the garden.

Perfect for softening corners or adding interest to linear planter rows.

4. Corokia cotoneaster (Wire Netting Bush)

  • Look: Twisting branches with small silver-grey leaves
  • Care: Drought-tolerant and grows well in tough spots
  • Why it works: The shape and texture bring character to smaller corten steel-style containers

Can be clipped for shape or left to sprawl, depending on your outdoor planter layout goals.

5. Hebe ‘Wiri Mist’

  • Look: Small white flowers and neat evergreen foliage
  • Care: Handles wind and dry conditions well
  • Why it works: Brings a soft touch and seasonal colour without fuss

Do Hebes Grow Well In Raised Planters? 

Yes. Hebes like ‘Wiri Mist’ are compact, drought-tolerant, and thrive in well-drained raised beds and containers.

This variety of Hebe looks right at home in a raised metal bed or on a patio edge.

 

Designing A Cohesive Outdoor Space With a Corten Steel Style Planter

Too often, gardens end up looking mismatched—not because of the plants but because of how everything is arranged. Using corten steel-style planters as anchor points can help bring order to the space.

Start with a basic design plan:

  • Pick a colour palette: Let the rich, rust-like tones guide your plant and material choices
  • Group by height: Use a mix of tall (Astelia), mid (Corokia), and low (Libertia) for visual flow
  • Repeat shapes or species: This gives the layout rhythm

What Makes A Garden Design Look Cohesive? Repetition, balance, and complementary colours help create a unified garden layout. Grouping planters and repeating key elements adds to the effect.

You don’t need to be a landscape architect to make it look intentional. Just aim for repetition, balance, and space to grow.

 

Outdoor Planter Layout Tips

The layout of your planters is just as important as the contents. Here’s how to make corten steel-style planters work as a central design element:

Use Varying Heights

Place taller planters in corners or against fences. Medium ones can go along pathways. Smaller or flatter planters work best near seating or entryways.

Leave Breathing Room

Space each planter to allow access and movement. Crowding them can make the area feel smaller and harder to care for.

How Much Space Should You Leave Between Planters? 

Leave at least 30 to 60 centimetres between planters to allow room for maintenance and growth.

Mix In Natural Materials

Balance the metal finish with timber, river stone, or crushed shell paths. This softens the look and makes the space feel grounded.

These are simple garden styling tips that make a big impact without needing expensive materials.

Why This Approach Makes Sense For NZ Homes

Gardening in New Zealand means working with varied conditions—coastal winds, high rainfall, or dry inland summers. Choosing native plants in durable containers helps reduce guesswork.

Is Corten Steel Style Suitable For Coastal Gardens?

Yes. The coated materials that mimic corten steel are often better suited for salty air than untreated metal or timber.

Corten steel-style planters add weight and form without demanding upkeep. They can also be used to separate zones in shared spaces, define edges in open gardens, or act as centrepieces on a deck.

Combine that with native species suited to your region and you’ve got a recipe for an attractive, low-hassle setup.

 

Are These Plants Low Maintenance?

Yes. All five native plants in this list are part of the low-maintenance native plants category. They’re chosen because they thrive with little attention, especially in containers.

Do Native Plants Need Special Soil In Planters?

Most native plants do well with free-draining, organic-rich soil. Just avoid heavy clay mixes or anything that holds too much water.

Once established, they’ll mostly look after themselves. Occasional watering, light trimming, and annual soil refreshment are usually enough.

 

Can I Mix These With Other Plants?

Absolutely. Native species mix well with herbs, flowering perennials, or small fruiting shrubs. Just watch that all plants have similar soil and sunlight preferences.

Pairing natives with compatible non-native species can add seasonal interest while keeping the garden grounded in a New Zealand look.

 

Why Choose Corten Steel Style Planters Over Other Options?

Compared to wood, plastic, or ceramic pots, corten steel-style options last longer, hold their shape, and don’t require as much upkeep. Their visual appeal and performance make them especially popular in urban homes and small-space gardens.

Are Corten Steel Style Planters Safe For Edible Plants?

Yes, especially if they’re lined or coated with food-safe materials. Just ensure there’s no risk of chemical leaching from unsealed finishes.

They also match well with native planting styles. This allows homeowners to tie everything together—form, function, and regional identity.

 

How To Get Started

If you're new to native plants or container gardening, start small. Try one or two corten steel-style planters in a sunny corner. Choose one of the recommended plants above, and see how it grows.

Can You Move Corten Steel Style Planters Easily?

While they're heavier than plastic, many models are designed with modular panels or lighter steel to make moving them more manageable.

As you build confidence, expand the layout. Play with different sizes and groupings. Soon, your garden won’t just look good—it will feel intentional and easy to care for.

Do Corten Steel Style Planters Require Maintenance?

They’re considered low-maintenance. Occasionally wiping them down and checking for drainage is usually enough to keep them in good shape.

 

Where To Buy Corten Steel Style Planters In NZ

For high-quality, long-lasting planters that work with New Zealand conditions, visit Birdies Garden Products NZ. Their range of corten steel-style planter boxes offers the look of rusted steel with modern functionality.

 

Plant Better Gardens

Using native plants and corten steel-style planters is a smart way to build a garden that looks good and lasts. It cuts down on maintenance, supports biodiversity, and brings a sense of order to your outdoor space.

Whether you’re gardening in a tiny city courtyard or a rural section, the combination of local plants and strong planters gives your space a head start.

 

Back to blog
  • We Ship Nationwide

    Fast, easy shippingdoor-to-door, or to depot

  • Simple, Easy Assembly

    Power-tool free assembly

  • Made From High Quality Materials

    For maximum strength & durability

  • Rolled Steel Edges

    Featuring a rolled steel edge, with a safety strip