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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.

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
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-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
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
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
agapanthus-agapetite-sparkle-

Agapanthus Agapetite Sparkle (Dwarf Agapanthus Agapetite Sparkle)

Agapanthus Agapetite Sparkle is a dwarf variety that is renowned for its bounty of stunning, double, white flowers through summer. The flowers are...

From$23.63
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 '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$16.13
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$720.00
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
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$360.00
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
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
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
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
Acorus Mini Green plants with lush, dark green foliage.

Acorus Mini Green (Sweet Flag)

Acorus Mini Green is a dwarf, ornamental grass featuring lush, lime green foliage. The attractive foliage emerges from a central clump and gracefully...

From$20.18
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
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
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
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
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a striking perennial valued for its vivid scarlet-red flower spikes and compact growth habit. Ideal for smaller New...

From$20.18
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...

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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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