Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

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.

Buy Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

From $41.33

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

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.

Buy Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

From $270.40

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

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.

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.

best evergreen trees for small gardens

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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Why Choose Evergreen Trees for Small Gardens?