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best evergreen trees for small gardens

Looking for the best evergreen trees for small gardens in New Zealand? Evergreens are the perfect choice for year-round greenery, structure, and privacy—even when your outdoor space is limited. The right evergreen tree won’t outgrow its welcome but will provide stunning foliage, flowers, and even fragrance throughout the year. Whether you’re after a lush backdrop, a feature tree, or something to attract native birds, there are excellent small evergreens to suit every space and style.

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
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. 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
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$343.89
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...

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$468.56
Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
fraxinus-griffithii-3

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash)

Fraxinus griffithii is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Fraxinus griffithii, commonly known as the Evergreen Ash tree, is an attractive...

From$299.92
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...

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
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...

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...

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...

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, Crassula, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Eucalyptus, Eucryphia, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuchsia, Fuscospora, Lagunaria, Lomandra, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Orange, Phyllocladus, Pinus, Quercus, Schefflera, Schinus Sequoiadendron and Sorbus, 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 Small Gardens?

Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year, so your garden never looks bare, even in the depths of winter. For smaller gardens, choosing compact or upright varieties is essential; these provide all the benefits of evergreens without overwhelming your space or competing with other plants.

Top Picks: Best Evergreen Trees for Small Gardens

1. Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash)

The Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fantastic choice for those needing medium height and a tidy, upright shape. This small tree forms a rounded crown and features glossy green foliage, with lovely clusters of white flowers in spring. Evergreen Ash is hardy, low maintenance, and responds well to pruning—making it perfect for compact spaces.

2. Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

For elegant, lush foliage with a burst of creamy blooms, the Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) is hard to beat. Its upright, columnar habit means it won’t outgrow small gardens, and it offers year-round glossy green leaves plus those signature magnolia flowers in spring and summer.

3. Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Another standout is the Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris), specifically bred to be compact and upright. With its large scented white flowers and dark green leaves highlighted by bronze undersides, this magnolia is both ornamental and well-behaved in modestly sized gardens.

4. Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Native to Australia but thriving in many parts of New Zealand, Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) is a soft-foliaged, fast-growing evergreen that stays compact with regular trimming. It makes an excellent privacy screen or small feature tree, with delicate yellow flowers and attractively arching branches.

5. Coffea arabica (Coffee)

If you want something a little different, consider the Coffea arabica (Coffee) for your small garden. With glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers, this evergreen will thrive in a sheltered spot and can even produce real coffee beans for the curious gardener.

Creating Success with Evergreens in Small Spaces

When selecting the best evergreen trees for small gardens, it’s important to consider height, spread, growth rate, and maintenance. Choose varieties that respond well to pruning and position them where they won’t block too much light or crowd other plants. With the right evergreen tree, you’ll enjoy lasting structure and beauty through every season.

Explore our range to discover the best evergreen trees for small gardens and give your outdoor space the year-round appeal it deserves.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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