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small specimen trees nz

Discovering the perfect small specimen trees NZ gardeners love is essential for anyone looking to create stunning focal points in a compact garden, courtyard, or landscape. Whether you’re working with limited space or simply want a striking individual tree to elevate your outdoor design, New Zealand offers a gorgeous range of small trees ideally suited to our climate and aesthetic. From native treasures to elegant exotics, small specimen trees provide structure, seasonal interest, and an inviting sense of scale to any Kiwi garden.

Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

5 from 3 customers

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. This semi-evergreen species is highly attractive to native birds such as tui and bellbirds, which feed on its nectar. Elegant, hardy, and versatile, the Weeping Kowhai is a stunning addition to both gardens and larger landscapes.

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Native
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small, overlapping green leaves create a unique, architectural appearance that turns fiery shades of red and orange in autumn. Compact and slow-growing, this variety is perfect for pots, courtyards, and small NZ gardens where a refined and striking feature tree is desired.

From $158.89

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis is a much-loved shrub in NZ gardens. It is most commonly grown as a specimen, used as a hedge (both trimmed and untrimmed), added to a...

From$33.68
podocarpus-laetus-

Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

Podocarpus laetus, commonly known as Mountain Totara, is an elegant NZ native tree that features small leaves which are held somewhat densely off...

From$343.89
robinia-umbraculifera-

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera is a small, deciduous tree that grows as a dense ball of soft-looking, very aesthetic foliage. The leaves emerge a...

From$432.79
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
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
magnolia-deryk-2

Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
acacia-howittii-

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as the Sticky Wattle tree, is a fast-growing, small tree that is grown for its weeping growth habit. The branches...

From$897.86
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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
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
tilia-cordata-1

Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$432.79
cercis-texas-white-2

Cercis canadensis Texas White

Cercis canadensis Texas White, commonly known as the White Redbud tree, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage, great form, and lovely...

From$432.79
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
cercis-ruby-falls-

Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls)

Cercis Ruby Falls, commonly known as the Ruby Falls Redbud or Ruby Falls Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage and...

From$299.92
styrax-japonica-4

Styrax japonica

Styrax japonica is a small, deciduous tree grown for its fragrant flowers and colourful autumn foliage. Masses of showy and scented, white flowers...

From$299.92
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$18.83
crataegus-rosea-flore-pleno-

Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno

Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno, commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn tree, is a small, deciduous tree grown for its prolific flowering and...

From$432.79
Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy (Eastern Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy tree, commonly known as Forest Pansy Redbud or Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy, is a small tree grown for its...

From$432.79
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
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
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
cercis-hearts-of-gold-

Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold (Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold tree, commonly known as the Redbud Tree or Hearts Of Gold Redbud, is a small and popular, deciduous tree grown...

From$343.89
fuscospora-solandri-

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$358.98
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

From$107.05
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$358.98
cercis-oklahoma--1

Cercis Oklahoma Redbud

The Cercis Oklahoma Redbud, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its impressive foliage and flowers. Clusters of purple...

From$343.89
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Acer, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Cercis, Crataegus, Dacrydium, Fuscospora, Hoheria, Laurus, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Robinia, Sophora, Sorbus Styrax and Tilia, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search small specimen trees nz

Why Choose Small Specimen Trees in NZ?

Small specimen trees are ideal for NZ gardens where space is precious, or you want a standout feature without overpowering your surroundings. These trees typically grow between 2–5 metres and offer benefits like manageable maintenance, dazzling flowers or foliage, and compatibility with urban environments or smaller rural properties. They’re perfect for planting as a centerpiece in a lawn, accenting entrances, or flanking patios and pathways.

Top Small Specimen Trees NZ Gardeners Recommend

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

One of the most admired compact Japanese maples, Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' brings intricate, layered foliage and vibrant autumn colour to small spaces. Its slow growth and outstanding form make it a popular choice for NZ containers and courtyard gardens.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

For something uniquely Kiwi, consider Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai). This native specimen tree is beloved for its clusters of golden-yellow flowers and attractive fine foliage, attracting native birds and lending a strong sense of place.

Laurus nobilis

If you’re seeking an evergreen tree with culinary uses, Laurus nobilis, or Bay Laurel, makes a remarkable small specimen tree. It’s happy in NZ’s temperate conditions, and its aromatic leaves are a classic addition to soups and stews, while the dense foliage offers privacy and structure.

Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

The elegant Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara) brings understated beauty to smaller gardens. This NZ native features dark green, soft needle-like foliage and a graceful, layered habit – ideal for planting as a focal point or integrating into mixed borders.

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera

With a distinctive rounded canopy, Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera offers visual drama and shade without growing overly large. Its tidy form and tidy leaflets suit contemporary and classic NZ landscapes alike.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Small Specimen Trees NZ-wide

Choose a spot with appropriate sun, shelter, and well-drained soil to help your small specimen tree flourish. Mulching and regular watering are especially important in the tree’s early years, and selective pruning will maintain its attractive form. Consider pairing your specimen tree with groundcovers or border plants to enhance its visual impact.

Transform Your NZ Garden with Small Specimen Trees

With their manageable size and stunning features, small specimen trees NZ gardeners select bring lasting beauty and character to landscapes of every style. Explore our range to find the perfect tree for your space and enjoy year-round interest without the challenges of larger trees. Whether native or exotic, these specimens deliver both practicality and visual delight for New Zealand gardens.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Sure, Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) are crowd-pleasers, but Tibouchina 'Blue Moon', Ginkgo biloba, and Acorus gramineus variegatus are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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