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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.

Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac flowers, and decorative golden berries that persist into winter. It provides excellent shade during summer while adding seasonal interest to New Zealand landscapes.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood) is one of the world’s most impressive and majestic conifer trees, valued for its towering growth habit, rich green foliage, and remarkable longevity. This iconic tree creates an outstanding feature in large New Zealand landscapes, parks, and lifestyle properties where space allows for its grand scale.

From $270.40

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
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
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...

From$270.40
quercus-canariensis-2
Quercus canariensis

Quercus canariensis is a magnificent deciduous oak admired for its broad spreading canopy, lush green foliage, and impressive golden brown autumn...

From$270.40
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Malus 'Kaitoke' dark pink flowers.
Malus 'Kaitoke'

Malus 'Kaitoke' is an attractive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its abundant spring blossom, lush green foliage, colourful autumn display, and...

From$387.55
magnolia-vulcan-
Magnolia 'Vulcan'

Magnolia 'Vulcan' is an iconic deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and celebrated for its spectacular large deep crimson red flowers that appear...

From$270.40
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
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
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Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as Sticky Wattle, is an attractive evergreen tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, fine green foliage, and...

From$349.95
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
crataegus-pauls-scarlet-5
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a magnificent deciduous flowering tree renowned for its masses of rich scarlet double flowers that cover the...

From$340.69
Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$270.40
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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
malus-echtermeyer-1
Malus 'Echtermeyer'

Malus 'Echtermeyer' is a distinctive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, masses of pink spring blossoms, attractive...

From$515.35
A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

From$270.40
malus-ioensis-plena-10
Malus ioensis 'Plena'

Malus ioensis 'Plena' is a stunning deciduous flowering crabapple tree admired for its masses of fragrant double pink blossom, attractive green...

From$270.40
fagus-sylvatica-purpurea-1
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

From$515.35
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
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
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.
Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The...

From$192.51
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' specimen trees.
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the English Columnar Oak or Cypress Oak, is a deciduous tree with lovely foliage and great form. This...

From$270.40
prunus-autumnalis-rosea-6
Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

From$399.95
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Magnolia, Malus, and Melia, or related Categories - Crabapples, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

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.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
We all know Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum', but the real surprises come from plants like Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmzam', Azalea indica, and Escallonia 'Iveyi'.
–The Plant Company

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