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best evergreen trees

If you’re searching for the best evergreen trees to add year-round structure, privacy, or vibrant greenery to your garden, you’re in the right place. Evergreen trees are the backbone of many New Zealand landscapes, offering lasting beauty no matter the season. These hardworking trees keep their leaves all year, making them ideal for screening, windbreaks, or simply as statement specimens in the garden. In this guide, we’ll spotlight some of the best evergreen trees suitable for a variety of New Zealand garden styles and conditions.

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 feathery, dark green foliage which is held on broad branches emerging off a central trunk as it grows to about 60 m tall and 20 m wide over several hundred years. The Giant Redwood is commonly grown as a specimen, planted to provide shelter, or used for timber production.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 60.00 m
Spread: 20.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Forestry, Mediterranean
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Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues. Older foliage sits as a rosette with a downward arch and is dark green. The combination of old and new foliage produces quite a dramatic display and affords the tree a lush appearance. Clusters of small, cream flowers in spring result in purple berries in autumn. It typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established. This evergreen is typically grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, maintained in a courtyard garden, included in a tropical garden, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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
eucryphia-cordifolia--1

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo)

Commonly known as Ulmo, this is a handsome, evergreen tree renowned for both its attractive foliage and pleasant flowers. The sweetly fragrant...

From$299.92
magnolia-grandiflora-jade-emperor-

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
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
schinus-molle-3

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
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
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
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
azalea-indica--1

Azalea indica

This variety of Azalea grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of small and showy, lightly...

From$36.38
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
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
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.

Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$299.92
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-

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
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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
pinus-pinea-1

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut)

Commonly known as the Pine Nut, this is an attractive tree that has a variety of uses including the production of nuts. It grows with an upright and...

From$299.92
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
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
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
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
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
ulmus-carpinifolia-variegata-4

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

From$432.79
coffea-arabica--2

Coffea arabica (Coffee)

Coffea arabica is the plant that produces the well-known coffee beans. It grows as a small, evergreen tree with a somewhat open branching habit and...

From$26.93
eucalyptus-blue-ice-

Eucalyptus Blue Ice (Gum)

“Blue Ice” is a variety of Eucalyptus grown for its colourful foliage. The leaves on juvenile trees are rounded, powdery-blue, and held densely. As...

From$343.89
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.

Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$49.88
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
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
Lomandra Evergreen Baby growing as a ground cover with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, deep-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.48
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
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
Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alnus, Azalea, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Coffea, Crassula, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Eucalyptus, Eucryphia, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuscospora, Lagunaria, Lomandra, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Orange, Phyllocladus, Pinus, Quercus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Orange Trees, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Pine Nuts, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search best evergreen trees

Why Choose Evergreen Trees for Your Garden?

Evergreen trees stand out for their ability to provide continuous colour, shelter, and wildlife habitat throughout the year. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in winter, evergreens ensure your garden remains lush and lively even during colder months. They are perfect for creating private retreats, filtering wind, or offering a handsome backdrop for seasonal flowers and shrubs.

Top Picks: Best Evergreen Trees for New Zealand Gardens

Looking to make a lasting impact? Here are some of the best evergreen trees that thrive in New Zealand gardens:

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

The majestic Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree) is renowned for its towering presence and soft, blue-green foliage. While it can eventually grow to a massive size, its pyramidal shape and dense branches make it a memorable feature tree for larger spaces. This resilient evergreen is also surprisingly hardy, withstanding tough conditions when established.

Daphniphyllum macropodum

If you crave something a bit more unique, Daphniphyllum macropodum is a fabulous choice. With glossy, large leaves and upright, multi-stemmed form, this evergreen is perfect for informal screens or as a bold backdrop in mixed borders. Its subtle red stems add interest during winter when many plants have faded away.

Lagunaria patersonia

For those coastal or windy locations, Lagunaria patersonia shines as one of the best evergreen trees. Sometimes called the Norfolk Island Hibiscus, this tree boasts striking pink hibiscus-like flowers and tough, leathery foliage. It’s well-suited to coastal gardens, tolerating salt spray and exposed spots.

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo)

The beautiful Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo) provides a profusion of white, honey-scented flowers in late summer and glossy evergreen leaves year-round. Its upright growth and reliable flowering make it a popular choice for both town and country gardens in New Zealand.

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

For a stately appearance, Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) delivers gorgeous deep green foliage and large, creamy-white blooms from an early age. This compact form of evergreen magnolia suits smaller gardens and adds classic elegance to any setting.

Choosing the Best Evergreen Tree for Your Needs

When selecting from the best evergreen trees, consider your site’s conditions—space, soil, wind exposure, and climate. With so many beautiful options available, you can easily find a tree that will thrive and reward you with year-round greenery and structure.

Ready to start planting? Explore our full range of the best evergreen trees and transform your garden into a lush, vibrant retreat, no matter the season.


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.

While Aesculus hippocastanum and Avocado 'Hass' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote', Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia), and Mandarin 'Silverhill' quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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