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best specimen trees

Discover the best specimen trees to create a lasting impact in your New Zealand garden. A well-chosen specimen tree transforms your outdoor space, providing year-round interest, architectural structure, and a true focal point. Whether you’re designing a formal landscape, enhancing a modern home, or developing a country garden, the right specimen tree makes all the difference. The best specimen trees offer exceptional form, stunning foliage or flowers, and adaptability to local climates and soil. Our expert team has curated an inspiring selection to help you choose the perfect specimen for your space.

fraxinus-excelsior-3

Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree grows quickly and produces dark green leaves which develop yellow tones in autumn before falling. It grows with a dense and rounded crown to about 25 m tall and 15 m wide. Fraxinus excelsior is commonly used as a specimen in a large garden or park, grown as a shade tree, or included in a mixed planting in a large garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
robinia-lace-lady-

Robinia Lace Lady

Robinia Lace Lady, commonly known as the False Acacia tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its lace-like foliage and pendulous form. The showy foliage emerges light green in spring, ages to become dark green, then develops colourful yellow tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide. Robinia Lace Lady is commonly grown as a specimen, used in oriental themed gardens, or maintained in a courtyard garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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$391.14
crataegus-pauls-scarlet-5

Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet

Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet, commonly known as Hawthorn, is an impressive selection owing to its prolific flowering. This thorny tree produces...

From$343.89
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
fraxinus-purple-spire-2

Fraxinus Purple Spire

Fraxinus Purple Spire is a popular variety of the commonly known, Claret Ash, and is grown for its impressive form and brilliant autumn colours. It...

From$343.89
koelreuteria-paniculata-1

Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata, commonly known as the Golden Rain tree, this is a stunning, small tree. It features clusters of bright yellow flowers on...

From$299.92
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.

Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

From$43.13
gleditsia-sunburst-2

Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst

“Sunburst” is an impressive, deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and colourful foliage. It carries fine and lush, yellow foliage through spring...

From$299.92
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...

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
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
aesculus-baumannii-5

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii, commonly known as the Horse Chestnut, is a lovely, spreading tree. It bears large, upright sprays of double, white...

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Fraxinus excelsior aurea

Fraxinus excelsior aurea, commonly known as the Golden Ash tree, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. The leaves emerge light green-yellow in...

From$343.89
ulmus-horizontalis-

Ulmus glabra horizontalis (Scotch Elm)

Ulmus glabra horizontalis is a variety of Scotch Elm which is grown for its broad canopy and colourful foliage. The leaves emerge a lime-green colour...

From$432.79
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...

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
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
corylus-colurna-1

Corylus colurna

Corylus colurna, commonly known as the Turkish Hazel or Turkish Filbert, is a deciduous tree grown for its aesthetic value and nuts. The foliage on...

From$432.79
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$343.89
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...

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
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...

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Aesculus Briotii

Aesculus Briotii is a variety of the commonly known, Red Horse Chestnut, and is grown for its colourful flowers and great form. It bears masses of...

From$382.61
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
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
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous tree that features fine, needle like, rich-green leaves which turn...

From$343.89
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
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-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
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
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
Fraxinus excelsior

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aesculus, Cedrela, Corylus, Crataegus, Dacrydium, Eucryphia, Fraxinus, Gleditsia, Koelreuteria, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metasequoia, Robinia, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Tabebuia and Ulmus, or related Categories - Chestnut Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search best specimen trees

What Makes the Best Specimen Trees?

A great specimen tree stands out on its own, often planted in a prominent position. Key attributes include striking shape, unique foliage, seasonal blooms, or decorative bark. The best specimen trees thrive in New Zealand conditions, offer minimal maintenance, and complement a range of landscape styles. Importantly, a specimen should suit the scale of your garden—think tall and stately for larger sections, or smaller, ornamental varieties for urban homes.

Top Choices for Stunning Specimen Trees

1. Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Known for its bold, golden spring foliage and upright form, Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree) is a standout feature in any garden. Its vibrant leaves give way to lush green in summer, and its tidy shape provides year-round structure. Perfect for avenues, large lawns, or as a single lawn specimen, this maple thrives throughout New Zealand.

2. Fraxinus excelsior

The classic European ash, Fraxinus excelsior, boasts an elegant, open canopy and formidable presence. Renowned for its rapid growth, autumn colour, and stately appearance, it’s ideal for expansive gardens seeking shade or seasonal drama. This fast-growing tree is perfect for properties seeking a traditional, sculptural specimen.

3. Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet

For a burst of colour and old-world charm, Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet brings clusters of double scarlet blooms in late spring. Its compact, rounded habit suits both formal gardens and small spaces, offering impressive seasonal interest with minimal fuss.

4. Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Evergreen and reliably hardy, Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear) features glossy foliage, compact size, and sweetly-scented white flowers. This magnolia provides beauty and privacy for courtyards or driveways, making it one of the best specimen trees for smaller gardens and urban landscapes.

5. Robinia Lace Lady

Add a touch of whimsy with the intriguing Robinia Lace Lady. Its architectural, twisted branches and fine foliage deliver year-round interest, especially as a living sculpture on a lawn, gravel garden, or contemporary space.

Expert Tips for Planting Your Specimen Tree

Choose a location where your new tree can shine—away from competing plants and with room to grow. Be sure to consider sun, wind, and soil type. With the right choice and care, the best specimen trees will reward you with years of beauty, value, and garden structure. Explore our collection for more stunning specimen options and expert planting advice.


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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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