Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

dwarf conifers

Dwarf conifers are the perfect choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking evergreen structure, year-round colour, and low-maintenance beauty in compact spaces. These charming, slow-growing specimens thrive in containers, rock gardens, small courtyards, and as accents along pathways or borders. Whether you're creating a peaceful Japanese-inspired landscape or adding architectural interest to your patio, dwarf conifers combine resilience with stunning foliage forms, making them ideal for a wide range of gardening styles across Aotearoa.

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. Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' is commonly used as an attractive groundcover, included in rock gardens, grown around the base of large trees, used in borders, mass planted on a bank, or generally included where a hardy, ground-covering plant is required.

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. Picea glauca 'Conica' is commonly used as an accent plant, grown as small specimen, maintained in a container, planted around pool and other outdoor living areas, or used to border an entrance.

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
taxus-baccata-fastigata-

Taxus baccata Fastigata

Taxus baccata Fastigiata, commonly known as the Irish Yes, is a conifer grown for its attractive foliage and slender form. This evergreen has a...

From$210.73
thuja-old-gold-

Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold)

Thuja plicata Old Gold features foliage that is rich yellow and develops bronze tones in winter. It is held in clusters which produces a layered...

From$343.89
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
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...

From$343.89
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$33.68
Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.

Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It...

From$299.92
chamaecyparis-boulevard-2

Chamaecyparis pisifera Boulevard

Chamaecyparis pisifera Boulevard is tolerant of frost, coastal environments, and cool climates. This low maintenance conifer makes for a lovely...

From$33.68
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$343.89
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$33.68
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$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
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...

cedrus-deodara-1

Cedrus deodara

Cedrus deodara, commonly known as the Deodar Cedar, is a large and stately, evergreen conifer that grows to about 30 m tall and 10 m wide. It has a...

From$205.02
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$343.89
kniphofia-dwarf-orange-

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange (Torchlily)

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange is a variety of the commonly known, Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
abutilon-lucky-lantern-white-2

Abutilon Lucky Lantern White

Abutilon Lucky Lantern White, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, grows to just 50 cm tall and the same wide, and...

From$26.93
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

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$21.53
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 neat...

From$26.93
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
Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.

Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

Phormium 'Black Pepe' is a dwarf Flax variety that produces black leaves with a purple overtone. It grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide in full sun...

From$17.48
cyperus-papyrus-nana-3

Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus Nana, the Dwarf Papyrus, is a perennial grass with bright green leaves and distinctive umbrella-like flower sprays in summer. Growing...

From$20.18
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2

Hymenosporum Gold Nugget (Dwarf Frangipani)

Hymenosporum flavum Gold Nugget is a shrub grown for its clusters of fragrant flowers through spring. The flowers emerge a cream colour, age to...

From$33.68
phormium-pepe-

Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium Pepe is a smaller variety of Flax that produces narrow and sword-like, bright green leaves. It typically grows to just 45 cm tall and the...

From$20.93
phoenix-roebelenii--3

Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm)

Phoenix roebelenii, commonly known as the Dwarf Date Palm, Miniature Date Palm, or Pygmy Date Palm, is a delightful and popular Palm tree. It...

From$158.89
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
apricot-garden-annie-

Apricot 'Garden Annie'

Apricot Garden Annie is a dwarf Apricot variety that is both ornamental and fruit bearing. The medium sized fruit in summer are golden yellow with a...

From$391.14
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
A Pelargonium 'Dwarf White' plant in a pot.

Pelargonium 'Dwarf White'

Pelargonium 'Dwarf White' is a compact and floriferous geranium that produces clusters of pure white blooms over a long flowering season. Its neat...

From$20.18
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Apricot, Cedrus, Chamaecyparis, Chionochloa, Cupressus, Cyperus, Feijoa, Hymenosporum, Juniperus, Kniphofia, Pelargonium, Phoenix, Phormium, Picea, Pittosporum, Sansevieria, Schefflera, Taxodium Taxus and Thuja, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, Deciduous Conifers, Flaxes, Apricot Trees, Feijoa, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Palm Trees Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search dwarf conifers

Why Choose Dwarf Conifers?

Dwarf conifers offer a host of advantages for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Their naturally compact shape requires minimal pruning, and their adaptability allows them to thrive in various soil types and climates throughout New Zealand. With a variety of growth habits, textures, and foliage colours, dwarf conifers provide year-round visual interest and are perfect for layered planting designs. If you're looking for plants that bring structure without overwhelming your garden, dwarf conifers are an exceptional solution.

Top Dwarf Conifers for New Zealand Gardens

When selecting dwarf conifers, you have a wonderful range of options, each with unique qualities:

Ways to Use Dwarf Conifers in Your Landscape

Dwarf conifers lend themselves to creative uses. Try dotting them among perennials for contrast and texture or use them as subtle screens for patios and decks. Their tidy habit makes them ideal for container gardens flanking entryways, or as focal points in raised beds and courtyard designs. Their tolerance for clipping also allows for beautifully shaped accents in formal plantings or Japanese gardens.

Care Tips for Thriving Dwarf Conifers

To keep your dwarf conifers lush, choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. Regular watering during the establishment period will help roots settle, but once mature, most dwarf conifers are surprisingly drought-tolerant. Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Minimal pruning is needed—just remove any dead or damaged branches as necessary for best appearance.

Shop New Zealand's Best Selection of Dwarf Conifers

Explore our range of premium dwarf conifers, from the classic Picea glauca Conica to the versatile Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold). Whether you're after a standout specimen or a low-maintenance groundcover like Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper), these elegant evergreens will bring lasting impact to your outdoor space. Start growing your collection and enjoy year-round structure, texture, and colour with dwarf conifers.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews