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columnar evergreen trees for small gardens

Columnar evergreen trees for small gardens offer the perfect combination of year-round greenery and a slim, upright habit that fits beautifully even in the tightest spaces. Whether you’re seeking lush privacy screening, architectural accents, or a way to break up garden spaces without casting deep shade, these trees are an ideal solution for New Zealand gardens with limited room. Compact, vertical evergreens not only create visual interest throughout the year but also provide shelter and food for local wildlife. With so many varieties available, there’s a columnar evergreen tree for every garden style, soil type, and climate.

Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.

Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit. This cultivar typically grows to around 4–5 metres tall and 2–3 metres wide, making it an ideal choice for hedging, screening, or as a narrow specimen tree in smaller spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.

Alnus jorullensis

5 from 1 customers

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is valued for its evergreen foliage, tall upright habit, and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Riparian
Euonymus 'Green Spires' plant with dense, dark green foliage.
Euonymus 'Green Spire'

Euonymus 'Green Spire' is a narrow, upright evergreen shrub admired for its strong vertical form and glossy green foliage. Compact and tidy, it...

From$24.77
Fagus 'Dawyck Green' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green'

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green', also known as Green Beech, is a stunning columnar tree with dense, glossy green foliage. Its upright, narrow growth...

From$270.40
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
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$323.65
Fagus 'Dawyck Gold' specimen trees with yellow foliage.
Fagus 'Dawyck Gold'

Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', commonly known as the Columnar Beech Tree or Golden Beech Tree, is grown for its bright autumn colours and slender growth habit...

From$270.40
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
Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' specimen trees with orange, autumn foliage.
Acer rubrum 'Bowhall'

Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' is a stunning, upright form of the red maple that delivers vibrant seasonal colour and elegant structure to New Zealand...

From$299.95
Colourful Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo 'Fastigiata'

Ginkgo 'Fastigiata' is a narrow, upright form of the Maidenhair Tree, ideal for smaller spaces or formal plantings. It grows to around 10 to 12...

From$387.55
carpinus-betulus-fastigiata-3
Carpinus betulus Fastigiata

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigata' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$340.69
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
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
Acer 'Armstrong' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Armstrong'

Acer 'Armstrong' is a distinctive Maple grown for its narrow, upright growth habit and fabulous autumn colours. This fast-growing tree produces a...

From$299.95
Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga' trees with yellow autumn foliage.
Ginkgo 'Saratoga'

Ginkgo 'Saratoga' is a variety of Ginkgo biloba that has distinctive and lush foliage which emerges dark green in spring and remains this way until...

From$270.40
fagus-dawyck-purple-2
Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple, commonly known as the Purple Beech tree, is grown for its beautiful colours and slender growth habit. The foliage...

From$270.40
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
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
olive-koroneiki-
Olive 'Koroneiki'

Olive 'Koroneiki' is a premium olive variety renowned for producing exceptional quality oil with rich flavour and high oil content. This evergreen...

From$270.40
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
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$24.15
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 Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$34.43
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
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
eucryphia-cordifolia--1
Eucryphia cordifolia

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo) is a magnificent evergreen tree renowned for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers that appear from...

From$408.85
aloe-barberae-
Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

Commonly known as Tree Aloe, this is a large variety of Aloe that can reach 15 m tall and 3 m wide. This impressive tree forms a rounded crown of...

From$57.89
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
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
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
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
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
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alnus, and Euonymus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search columnar evergreen trees

Why Choose Columnar Evergreen Trees for Small Gardens?

Small gardens pose unique challenges, so it’s important to choose trees that grow up rather than out. Columnar evergreen trees are naturally narrow, allowing you to make use of tight corners, frame entrances, or line driveways without worrying about overspreading branches. Their evergreen leaves mean your garden stays colourful and vibrant throughout every season, and their upright form adds a touch of formality and structure to contemporary or traditional designs alike.

Top Columnar Evergreen Tree Varieties

We’ve curated a list of excellent columnar evergreens that thrive in New Zealand gardens and bring enduring beauty to smaller spaces:

Taxus baccata Fastigata

Also known as the Irish Yew, Taxus baccata Fastigata offers dense, dark green foliage and a naturally upright form. Ideal for hedges, entrances, or as standalone specimens, this slow-growing conifer is remarkably tolerant of shade and pruning, making it a reliable choice for compact spaces.

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

For those seeking something unique, Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) provides fine, weeping foliage in a slender form—perfect for small gardens. This tough Aussie native adapts to New Zealand conditions, with attractive evergreen leaves and fragrant yellow blooms in spring.

Quercus robur Fastigiata

If a deciduous shape is welcome alongside evergreens, Quercus robur Fastigiata (Upright English Oak) delivers strong vertical lines and a handsome presence through every season. It’s easily managed in small gardens thanks to its tidy, upright branches.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

The Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree) features gorgeous tulip-shaped flowers and glossy foliage, all presented on a slender, upright frame. It’s a striking option for those seeking something both ornamental and space-saving.

Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

For lush, easy-care structure, Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) is a standout evergreen with soft, fern-like foliage and a naturally narrow habit. It’s well-suited to containers, screening, or formal plantings.

Caring for Columnar Evergreens in Small Gardens

All columnar evergreen trees for small gardens appreciate well-drained soil and regular watering as they establish. Mulch around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture, and trim when necessary to preserve their tidy shape. With thoughtful planting and minimal maintenance, these elegant trees will enhance your garden for years to come.

Discover your favourite columnar evergreen trees for small gardens and transform your compact space into a lush, year-round sanctuary. Find inspiration in our full range, and enjoy expert advice from the New Zealand plant specialists.


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–The Plant Company

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