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dwarf conifers for shade

If you’re looking to enhance a shaded corner of your garden with elegant greenery, dwarf conifers for shade are a fantastic choice. These compact conifers add texture, structure, and year-round interest, even in spots where many other plants struggle. At our New Zealand nursery, we offer a curated range of hardy, slow-growing dwarf conifers ideal for shaded areas, perfect for small gardens, borders, and even containers.

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
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.

Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

5 from 1 customers

Thuja 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced during winter. It grows to an oval shape, reaching approximately 1 m in height and 70 cm in width, and performs best when planted in full sun.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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...

From$34.43
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
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$289.95
chamaecyparis-boulevard-2
Chamaecyparis 'Boulevard'

Chamaecyparis 'Boulevard' is an elegant evergreen conifer known for its soft silvery blue foliage and feathery texture. It brings year round...

From$37.19
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
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
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
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
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$270.40
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
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$289.95
Cryptomeria japonica monstrosa nana shrub with fine, brown foliage in winter.
Cryptomeria japonica Monstrosa Nana

Cryptomeria japonica 'Monstrosa Nana' is a unique dwarf Japanese Cedar prized for its dense sculptural foliage and naturally compact rounded form...

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
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
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
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
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
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
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
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
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
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$19.95
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar) large specimen tree in a park.
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
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
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
cupressus-gracilis-1
Cupressus 'Gracilis'

Cupressus 'Gracilis' (Italian Spruce) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright growth habit and dense dark green foliage...

From$270.40
phoenix-roebelenii--3
Phoenix roebelenii

Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm) is an elegant palm valued for its fine, arching fronds and compact tropical appearance. The graceful green...

From$152.64
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
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2
Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget'

Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget' (Dwarf Frangipani) is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant creamy yellow...

From$34.43
Picea glauca Conica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria, and Juniperus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Deciduous Conifers.

Search dwarf conifers for shade

Why Choose Dwarf Conifers for Shady Gardens?

Many gardeners assume conifers need full sun, but a range of beautiful dwarf varieties thrive with limited light. Dwarf conifers for shade are excellent for brightening dark garden beds, creating lush underplantings beneath trees, or adding architectural lines to side yards and patios. Their steady growth and easy care make them an enduring choice for both novice and expert gardeners. With their compact habit, they also fit beautifully into spaces where larger trees would overwhelm the landscape.

Top Choices: Our Favourite Dwarf Conifers for Shade

When it comes to selecting dwarf conifers for shaded spots, focus on tried-and-true varieties that flourish in lower light and offer visual appeal year-round. Here are a few top picks available from our nursery:

Picea glauca Conica

With its classic conical shape and soft green needles, the Picea glauca Conica is a beloved choice for shaded corners or as a focal point in a woodland border. Its dense growth provides an elegant evergreen presence and works well in containers or foundation plantings.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

For groundcover in dappled shade, try the popular Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper). This rugged, mat-forming conifer sports blue-green foliage and is excellent for softening the edges of shaded rock gardens or spilling over walls.

Abies Archers Dwarf (Dwarf Fir Trees)

If you want a unique, slow-growing specimen, the Abies Archers Dwarf (Dwarf Fir Trees) adds refined structure and feathery foliage to shaded garden areas. Its tidy, compact form fits easily into the smallest garden or mixed conifer bed.

Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold)

The golden highlights of Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold) make this conifer stand out, even in parts of the garden with lower light. Its soft, aromatic foliage brings colour and warmth through every season.

Cupressus Ovensii

For those after a more upright silhouette, Cupressus Ovensii offers evergreen impact in shaded beds. Its neat, slender shape works beautifully as a vertical accent or as part of a mixed conifer border.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Dwarf Conifers in Shade

Ensure your chosen site offers well-draining soil and some protection from harsh winds. Mulch around your dwarf conifers to conserve soil moisture, and water regularly during dry spells, as shaded soil can sometimes become dry under trees. Most of these conifers require minimal trimming to maintain their shape, making them an easy-care solution for year-round structure and colour.

Discover the full range of dwarf conifers for shade at our nursery and transform even the hardest-to-plant spots into lush, beautiful garden features.


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

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