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dwarf conifer trees

Looking for the perfect compact evergreen to elevate your garden design? Dwarf conifer trees are a top choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking low-maintenance, year-round structure with a charming miniature form. Ideal for small gardens, rockeries, borders, and container plantings, these petite conifers offer the texture, colour, and architectural appeal of their full-sized relatives—without overwhelming your space. Whether you crave a classic look or a modern twist, dwarf conifer trees bring lasting beauty and versatility to gardens of all sizes.

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like leaves. The foliage is held densely on prostrate branches as it grows to 30 cm in height and 1.5 m in width.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Potted Picea glauca 'Conica' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Picea glauca Conica

Picea glauca 'Conica', commonly known as the Alberta Spruce, is a conifer grown for its delicate foliage and conical shape. This evergreen produces fine, needle-like foliage which is soft, bright green, and aromatic when crushed. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide at 10 years of age.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$22.01
A Ginkgo biloba 'Little Weeper' tree in a mixed planting.
Ginkgo 'Little Weeper'

Ginkgo 'Little Weeper', commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has...

From$387.55
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
phormium-pepe-
Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium 'Pepe' is a compact New Zealand flax prized for its fine green foliage and neat mounding growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides year...

From$17.95
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$30.29
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes...

From$17.95
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.
Cupressus 'Totem'

Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It...

From$270.40
A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.
Thuja plicata

Thuja plicata, commonly known as the Western Red Cedar, is a conifer that grows into an attractive and large tree. It grows with a dense, conical...

From$17.95
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 Picea pungens 'Glauca' (Colorado Blue Spruce) tree.
Picea pungens Glauca

Picea pungens 'Glauca', commonly known as the Colorado Blue Spruce, is a blue coloured conifer that grows with a broad and open, pyramidal shape. The...

From$515.35
feijoa-bambina-
Feijoa 'Bambina'

Feijoa 'Bambina' is a compact, dwarf variety perfect for small gardens, patios, and containers. It grows to around 1.5 m tall and wide, forming a...

From$35.81
cryptomeria-egmont-1
Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont'

Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont' is a handsome evergreen conifer valued for its dense habit, soft feathery foliage, and reliable year round colour. This...

From$383.29
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...

From$270.40
schefflera-arboricola-
Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

From$29.95
callistemon-green-john-
Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Green John' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fresh green foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring...

From$27.53
Large Juniperus 'Kaizuka' trees as a cluster.
Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka

Juniperus 'Kaizuka', commonly known as the Hollywood Juniper tree or Torulosa Juniper, is an upright conifer with an oriental style. It bears...

From$270.40
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
cupressus-blue-ice-4
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$270.40
cedrus-deodara-1
Cedrus deodara

Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) is a magnificent evergreen conifer admired for its graceful pyramidal form, soft blue green needles, and gently weeping...

From$192.51
cupressus-sempervirens-stricta-2
Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic...

From$179.91
pinus-pinea-1
Pinus pinea

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut) is a distinctive evergreen conifer admired for its broad umbrella shaped canopy, long green needles, and edible pine nuts...

From$270.40
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
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar) tree with spectacular blue foliage.
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca', also known as Blue Atlas Cedar, is a striking evergreen conifer ideal for New Zealand gardens. Its silvery-blue needles...

From$340.69
thuja-old-gold-
Thuja plicata 'Old Gold'

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its rich golden foliage and dense growth habit. The vibrant colour provides year...

From$17.95
cryptomeria-japonica-2
Cryptomeria japonica

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) is a majestic evergreen conifer valued for its tall upright form and soft rich green foliage. It brings...

From$270.40
Cedrus atlantica (Atlantic Cedar) tree.
Cedrus atlantica

Cedrus atlantica, commonly known as the Atlantic Cedar, is a large and stately tree. It bears blue-green, needle-like foliage held on horizontal...

From$270.40
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...

From$387.55
taxodium-distichum-
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, strong upright form, and spectacular...

From$387.55
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$8.50
cupressus-ovensii-3
Cupressus ovensii

Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient...

From$28.91
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cupressus, Ginkgo, and Juniperus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Flaxes.

Search dwarf conifer trees

Why Choose Dwarf Conifer Trees?

Dwarf conifer trees combine stunning foliage and hardy performance, thriving in a range of New Zealand climates. Their slow growth and compact size mean less pruning and effortless upkeep—perfect for busy gardeners or low-maintenance landscapes. Many varieties provide unique shades of green, blue, and gold, adding vibrant contrast throughout the year. These miniature evergreens create eye-catching focal points, evergreen hedges, and tidy foundation plantings that stay beautiful, even in the depths of winter.

Popular Dwarf Conifer Varieties for NZ Gardens

A wide selection of dwarf conifer trees is available, each with distinctive form and foliage. For a dense, delicate needle look, Abies Archers Dwarf (Dwarf Fir Trees) is a favourite, prized for its soft, silvery-blue needles and tidy rounded shape. If you’re after ground-hugging elegance, Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper) offers sprawling branches perfect for borders and rock gardens.

Slim and upright options are also in demand; the striking pencil form of Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress) fits narrow spaces and gives an architectural lift to garden designs. For those wanting alternatives to conifers, consider compact evergreens like Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) and Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum), which pair beautifully with dwarf conifers in mixed plantings.

How to Use Dwarf Conifer Trees in the Garden

Dwarf conifer trees are versatile garden heroes. Plant them as focal points, evergreen borders, or specimen trees in compact spaces. In mixed beds, their unique colours and textures complement flowering shrubs and perennials. Use them for year-round structure in rock gardens, Zen gardens, or contemporary landscapes. Their modest size makes them ideal for pots on patios, providing persistent greenery with minimal fuss.

Growing and Caring for Dwarf Conifer Trees

Most dwarf conifer trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. After planting, mulch around the roots to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Water young plants regularly, but established conifers are fairly drought-tolerant. Minimal pruning keeps their shape neat—just remove any dead or crowded branches as needed. Fertilise in spring for lush growth and enjoy their steady, stress-free performance season after season.

Discover Your Perfect Dwarf Conifer

Ready to add stunning structure and enduring beauty to your landscape? Explore our collection of dwarf conifer trees and companion evergreens, including Abies Archers Dwarf (Dwarf Fir Trees), Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper), Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum), Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum), and Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress). Create a garden that feels welcoming and stylish all year round with these miniature evergreens.


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–The Plant Company

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