Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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.

podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance. This attractive tree is ideal for screening, avenues, specimen planting, and large gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) provides year round structure, beauty, and long lasting landscape value.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
agonis-after-dark-1

Agonis flexuosa 'After Dark'

5 from 1 customers

Agonis flexuosa 'After Dark' (Peppermint Tree) is a stunning evergreen tree renowned for its dramatic deep burgundy foliage that provides year round colour and contrast. The graceful weeping habit creates a striking architectural feature while the fine leaves add texture and movement to the landscape. Small white flowers appear during the warmer months, adding further appeal. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, this hardy tree is valued for its unique foliage colour, drought tolerance, and low maintenance nature.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
castanospermum-australe-2
Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)

Commonly known as the Moreton Bay Chestnut, this is an evergreen tree commonly grown as an indoor plant or added to subtropical gardens. It produces...

From$152.64
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$129.95
podocarpus-henkelii-1
Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues...

From$366.25
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$19.25
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
An Acacia melanoxylon specimen tree.
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood Wattle)

Acacia melanoxylon, commonly known as the Acacia Blackwood Wattle or Australian Blackwood, is an evergreen tree that grows rapidly to 30 m tall and...

From$79.95
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$408.85
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$270.40
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...

From$387.55
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$515.35
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

From$515.35
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$12.95
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$30.29
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
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$270.40
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$270.40
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$387.55
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$165.51
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$270.40
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$313.00
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$99.29
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$270.40
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$50.99
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$515.35
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$387.55
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$387.55
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$515.35
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$270.40
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Acer, Agonis, Alnus, Azara, Beilschmiedia, Castanospermum, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Eucryphia, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuscospora, Hoheria, Laurus, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Orange, Phyllocladus, Podocarpus Quercus and Sorbus, or related Categories - Orange Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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 Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Liriodendron tulipifera, Prunus 'Pendula Rosea', and Zieria prostrata quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews