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dwarf cypress trees

If you’re searching for compact, versatile evergreens to add structure and beauty to your garden, dwarf cypress trees are an excellent choice. These small-scale conifers deliver the classic elegance of cypress, but stay manageable in size—perfect for smaller gardens, courtyards, containers, and low-maintenance landscaping. At our New Zealand nursery, we stock a range of dwarf cypress trees suited to many spaces and climates. Read on to discover the best varieties for Kiwi gardeners, their uses, and tips for thriving growth.

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Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

5 from 2 customers

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree provides year round colour, structure, and privacy in NZ landscapes while also creating an eye catching feature in modern and formal gardens.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

5 from 2 customers

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and Mediterranean inspired gardens.

From $179.91

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 12.50 m
Spread: 2.25 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern
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Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls'

Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' is a graceful weeping form of Bald Cypress, admired for its cascading branches, soft feathery foliage, and...

From$387.55
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
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$37.19
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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
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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
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
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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
A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.
Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

Metrosideros 'Tahiti', commonly known as Dwarf Pohutukawa, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and silver-green foliage...

From$57.89
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced...

From$289.95
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$279.95
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
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Calocephalus 'Silver Nugget' (Dwarf Cushion Bush)

Calocephalus 'Silver Nugget' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its finely branched silver foliage that creates a soft, rounded mound of colour...

From$23.39
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
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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
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
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$65.55
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
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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

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
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$515.35
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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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
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
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Agapanthus 'Agapetite' plant with lush green flowers and elegant white flowers.
Agapanthus 'Agapetite'

Agapanthus 'Agapetite', also known as the Dwarf Agapanthus, is a compact and vibrant perennial ideal for New Zealand gardens. This stunning variety...

From$19.95
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
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Tree Fertiliser

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

From$16.95
Almond 'Garden Prince' tree.
Almond 'Garden Prince'

Almond 'Garden Prince' is a compact dwarf almond tree prized for its attractive spring blossoms and delicious homegrown almonds. This self fertile...

From$404.59
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$4.95
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cupressus, Metrosideros, and Phormium, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Deciduous Conifers.

Search dwarf cypress trees

Why Choose Dwarf Cypress Trees?

Dwarf cypress trees are loved for their neat, tidy growth and impressive adaptability. Unlike larger cypress species, dwarf varieties grow slowly and maintain a compact silhouette, meaning you get all the visual impact without overcrowding or excessive pruning. These trees typically reach heights between 1 and 2 metres, making them ideal for borders, foundation plantings, and container gardening. The evergreen foliage provides year-round colour—from cool blue hues to bright green—and creates a sense of calm sophistication wherever they’re planted.

Popular Dwarf Cypress Varieties

There are several excellent dwarf cypress trees to consider for your New Zealand landscape. For gardeners looking for unique shapes and foliage colours, we recommend exploring the following options:

For those interested in larger cypress options or companion plants, check out Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) and compact alternatives such as Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus) for contrasting foliage and texture.

Ideal Uses for Dwarf Cypress Trees

Dwarf cypress trees are highly versatile. Use them as statement specimens in pots, privacy screens, low hedges, or accents for driveway entrances. Their restrained growth makes them easy to maintain, and they work brilliantly in both formal and modern garden spaces. For creative planting combinations, mix dwarf cypress with ornamental grasses or flowering perennials for added interest.

Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardens

Dwarf cypress trees thrive in sunny positions with well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant but appreciate regular watering during establishment. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool. Occasional pruning will encourage bushier growth and maintain shape. Choose a spot sheltered from harsh wind, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring for the healthiest results.

Explore our curated range of dwarf cypress trees online, and bring compact elegance and evergreen beauty to your home landscape!

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.

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