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cypress tree varieties

Cypress tree varieties are valued in New Zealand gardens for their striking architecture, adaptability, and lush green foliage. From stately hedging to striking specimen planting, cypress trees offer a versatile solution for landscapers and gardeners alike. With an array of growth forms, foliage textures, and tolerances to different conditions, there's a cypress tree to suit every planting scheme—whether you want to create an elegant avenue, add year-round greenery, or introduce a sturdy windbreak. On this page, you'll discover popular cypress tree varieties available in New Zealand, along with expert advice on planting and care.

taxodium-distichum-

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as the Bald Cypress or Swamp Cypress, is a conifer that grows as an upright tree to about 30 m tall and 8 m wide. It is somewhat unusual in that it is deciduous whereas most conifers tend to be evergreen. Feathery leaves emerge light green in spring, age to become bronze-yellow in summer, then develop bronze tones in autumn before falling. Taxodium distichum is a great tree for planting in wetter areas of a large garden and for planting around water features.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Ponds
Garden styles: Riparian
taxodium-cascade-falls-

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils. The rich green foliage hangs from pendulous branches on this deciduous conifer. The tree is further accentuated with yellow autumn colours before the leaves fall. It grows with a somewhat rounded shape to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a great tree for planting in wetter areas of a garden and for planting around water features such as ponds. It makes for a great specimen and is well suited to including in a mixed planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Riparian
cupressus-sempervirens-stricta-2

Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens Stricta, commonly known as the Italian Pencil Cypress Tree, is a conifer that features dense, dark green foliage, and grows...

From$272.12
cupressus-blue-ice-4

Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus Blue Ice is a popular and versatile plant suitable for New Zealand gardens, offering year-round interest and unique appeal.

From$176.17
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$299.92
cupressus-ovensii-3

Cupressus Ovensii

Cupressus Ovensii, commonly known as Ovens Cypress, is a hardy, fast-growing conifer native to Australia. It’s ideal for creating privacy screens...

From$28.28
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...

From$432.79
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
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...

From$343.89
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...

From$299.92
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
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
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
corylus-maxima-purpurea-

Corylus maxima Purpurea

Corylus maxima Purpurea, commonly known as the Purple-Leaved Filbert tree, is grown for its attractive foliage and interesting catkins. This...

From$299.92
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...

From$299.92
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
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
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
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...

From$299.92
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
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
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$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
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-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$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
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
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
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
pear-doyenne-du-comice-semi-dwarf-2

Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$299.92
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
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Cedrela, Corylus, Crassula, Cupressus, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Pear, Quercus, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus, Tabebuia Taxodium and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, Deciduous Conifers, Pear Trees, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search cypress tree

Popular Cypress Tree Varieties for NZ Gardens

When considering cypress tree varieties for your garden, it’s essential to choose species and cultivars that thrive in your local conditions. Some of the most sought-after cypress trees in New Zealand include:

Features and Uses of Cypress Trees

Cypress tree varieties are loved for their enduring beauty and functional roles in the garden. Many varieties are evergreen, providing reliable screening and privacy all year round. Their strong, fast growth makes them a top choice for windbreaks and shelterbelts, protecting gardens from New Zealand’s coastal winds. The upright forms of varieties like Cupressus sempervirens (Pencil Cypress) lend architectural interest to formal landscapes, while spreading types such as Taxodium McLaren Falls (Swamp Cypress) can be used for naturalistic mass plantings beside water features.

Cypress trees also attract wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects, supporting healthy garden ecosystems. Their dense foliage provides valuable nesting sites, and established trees add dappled shade and shelter for understorey plants.

Growing Conditions and Care Tips

Proper site selection is key when choosing among cypress tree varieties. Most cypresses prefer full sun and well-drained soils, though swamp-loving species such as Taxodium McLaren Falls (Swamp Cypress) and Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls thrive in damper ground. Once established, these resilient trees require minimal maintenance—just occasional pruning to shape or remove damaged limbs.

Regular watering during dry spells, especially for young plants, ensures strong root development. Applying mulch around the base helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. With the right selection and care, cypress tree varieties can become lasting features in any New Zealand landscape.

Interested in transforming your garden with the timeless elegance and practical benefits of cypress tree varieties? Explore our range of Taxodium McLaren Falls (Swamp Cypress), Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls, Taxodium Mexicanum (Mexican Swamp Cypress), Cupressus sempervirens (Pencil Cypress), and Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress) to find your ideal addition.


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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.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Heuchera Peppermint Spice (Coral Bells), but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Rose Flower Carpet Pink, Deutzia Compact Pink (Compact Pink Deutzia), and Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)?
–The Plant Company

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