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ornamental evergreen trees for small gardens

When space is at a premium, choosing the right trees is key to creating a visually appealing and easy-to-maintain landscape. Ornamental evergreen trees for small gardens are a perfect solution, bringing structure, colour, and year-round interest without overwhelming limited spaces. These tidy, slow-growing varieties serve as excellent focal points, provide shelter for birds, and offer a lush backdrop for seasonal flowering plants. Whether you're planting a courtyard, townhouse garden, or a sheltered city space, there's an ornamental evergreen tree suited to your unique conditions.

azara-microphylla-2

Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring the flowers release a sweet vanilla scent that drifts through the garden and creates a memorable feature. This elegant tree suits many New Zealand gardens and provides year round foliage interest. Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is ideal for gardeners wanting a refined ornamental tree with fragrance and charm.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

5 from 2 customers

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to around 4–6 metres tall, it’s ideal for smaller gardens, screening, or feature planting. ‘Little Gem’ blooms from late spring to summer and offers year-round appeal with its dense foliage and tidy form. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a standout choice for ornamental purposes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
Acer palmatum stunning specimen tree.

Acer palmatum

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) is a classic ornamental tree treasured for its finely cut foliage, graceful form, and stunning seasonal colour. This...

From$450.68
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.

Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$382.61
Acer griseum specimen tree in a park.

Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn...

From$252.95
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
acer-osakazuki-2

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a highly regarded Japanese maple famous for producing some of the most intense scarlet red autumn colour of any maple...

From$391.14
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.

Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$391.14
fraxinus-griffithii-3

Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$299.92
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.

Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$176.27
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Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and...

From$343.89
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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

From$343.89
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
prunus-thundercloud-4

Prunus Thundercloud

Prunus Thundercloud, commonly known as the Thundercloud Plum, is a deciduous ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant purple foliage and early...

From$343.89
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$24.23
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4

Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$299.92
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
koelreuteria-paniculata-1

Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$299.92
dichroa-blue-stars--1

Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$29.63
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
liriope-muscari-evergreen-giant-

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$432.79
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.

Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$343.89
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
Azara microphylla

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alnus, Azara, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Dacrydium, Dichroa, Ficus, Fraxinus, Koelreuteria, Lagunaria, Liriope, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Phyllocladus, Platanus, Prunus, Pyrus, Schinus Sequoiadendron and Sorbus, or related Categories - Grasses, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, Flowering Pears, Flowering Plums Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search ornamental evergreen trees

Why Choose Ornamental Evergreen Trees for Small Gardens?

Small gardens benefit immensely from evergreen trees with ornamental features such as attractive foliage, flowers, or form. These trees offer continual greenery, even in winter, ensuring your garden never looks bare. Many ornamental evergreens are also low-maintenance and tolerant of containers, making them adaptable for patios or tight corners. Crucially, their compact size means they won't outgrow the space, require frequent pruning, or threaten foundations.

Top Picks: Compact Evergreen Trees for Structure and Style

Magnolia Jade Emperor

The Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) is a prized choice among ornamental evergreen trees for small gardens. With glossy deep-green leaves and creamy-white, citrus-scented blooms, this magnolia delivers structure and seasonal beauty in a compact package. Its pyramidal shape fits neatly into tight spots or makes an impressive container specimen.

Magnolia Kay Parris

If you love dense foliage and a classic look, the Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris) is another excellent option. This evergreen magnolia is renowned for its tidy, upright growth and stunning glossy leaves. Its showy flowers add visual interest from late spring through summer, making it perfectly suited for small spaces that need a touch of elegance.

Japanese Maples: Ornamental Highlights for Small Spaces

While many Japanese maples are deciduous, their year-round structure and ornamental qualities make them outstanding choices for compact gardens. Some, like Acer 'Shidava Gold', offer brilliant golden-green foliage that keeps your garden glowing from spring through autumn.

For exquisite leaf colour and shapely form, consider Acer palmatum or the lovely Acer 'Katsura'. These maples are superb as feature trees in small beds or large patio planters, bringing vibrant colour and architectural elegance in all seasons.

Planting Tips for Small Gardens

When planting ornamental evergreen trees for small gardens, consider light levels, soil quality, and access for watering. Choose slow-growing or dwarf varieties and allow enough room for the tree to develop without crowding pathways or buildings. Container-grown evergreens are an excellent choice when ground space is limited or as a way to shift focal points throughout the year.

Start Creating Your Dream Outdoor Space

Selecting the right ornamental evergreen trees for small gardens lets you enjoy privacy, greenery, and captivating features all year long. Browse our selection of evergreens, including Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris), Acer 'Shidava Gold', Acer palmatum, and Acer 'Katsura' to discover trees perfectly suited to small New Zealand gardens. With careful selection and placement, your garden can be a vibrant, tranquil retreat year-round.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Sure, Heuchera Peppermint Spice (Coral Bells) and Ficus Tuffi are crowd-pleasers, but Azalea Gardenia Supreme, Achillea Anthea, and Heuchera Kassandra (Coral Bells) are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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