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dwarf specimen trees

Dwarf specimen trees are a perfect solution for New Zealand gardens where space is at a premium, or where you want to create striking focal points without the commitment of a large tree. These small yet impactful trees bring structure, year-round interest, and sculptural beauty to contemporary urban gardens, compact courtyards, and classic landscapes alike. Whether you're seeking lush evergreen foliage, graceful palm silhouettes, or coniferous charm, there's a dwarf specimen tree for every style and need.

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 flowers in spring. It grows with a rounded habit to about 80 cm tall and the same wide. Pittosporum 'Midget' is ideal for adding to mixed and border plantings, maintaining in a container, using to border an entrance, or for planting around outdoor living areas. It's architectural properties that make this a popular choice with landscape designers.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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 distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves that are held on branches that are carried with a gentle arch. The leaves turn bright yellow in autumn before falling, forming a golden carpet around the tree. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. Ginkgo 'Little Weeper' is commonly grown as a specimen, included in mixed plantings, maintained in courtyard gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or used to soften a bland wall.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Schefflera arboricola

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

From$27.53
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
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
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Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
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Cercis Oklahoma Redbud

The Cercis Oklahoma Redbud, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its impressive foliage and flowers. Clusters of purple...

From$340.69
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
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Fraxinus Purple Spire

Fraxinus Purple Spire is a popular variety of the commonly known, Claret Ash, and is grown for its impressive form and brilliant autumn colours. It...

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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$270.40
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
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
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

From$41.33
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Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
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Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

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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
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
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
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Robinia Frisia

Robinia Frisia, commonly known as the Golden Robinia, features fern-like foliage that emerges light yellow-green in spring, ages to become...

From$387.55
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$387.55
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Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous tree that features fine, needle like, rich-green leaves which turn...

From$387.55
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Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$387.55
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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
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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$28.91
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
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

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

From$13.40
Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Cercis, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Ginkgo, Juniperus, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metasequoia, Metrosideros, Pear, Phormium, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Robinia, Schefflera, Sophora, Sorbus, Tabebuia, Taxodium, and Ulmus,, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Flaxes, Pear Trees, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, Magnolia Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search dwarf specimen trees

What Makes Dwarf Specimen Trees Special?

Dwarf specimen trees are valued for their manageable size, slow growth, and well-defined shapes. From formal plantings to relaxed, natural garden beds, their compact habit makes them easy to maintain and ideal for defining pathways, framing entrances, or creating privacy without overwhelming the space. Because they're smaller than standard trees, they're suitable for container gardening or planting under power lines and near patios.

Top Choices for Dwarf Specimen Trees

For gardeners who appreciate a tidy, low-maintenance shrub, Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) is a brilliant pick. Its dense, rounded growth habit and evergreen foliage make it a favourite for borders and feature planting. Another show-stopping dwarf evergreen is Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum), treasured for its glossy leaves and neat, spherical shape.

Those looking for a Mediterranean or subtropical vibe may love Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm). This palm's feathery fronds and elegant trunk bring a sense of resort-style relaxation to small courtyards, poolside plantings, and stylish outdoor rooms.

If you're drawn to conifers, Abies Archers Dwarf (Dwarf Fir Trees) offer unique structure with soft, blue-green needles and a compact, pyramidal form. This evergreen conifer is perfect as a feature plant in mixed beds or rockeries, providing texture and year-round colour.

Finally, Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo) is a New Zealand native that brings both resilience and refined beauty. Known for its salt tolerance and petite growth, it's an excellent choice for coastal gardens or exposed spots where larger trees may struggle.

Designing with Dwarf Specimen Trees

When selecting dwarf specimen trees, consider their mature size, light preferences, and soil needs. Plant them singly as eye-catching features, or use in groups for year-round structure. Their compact shape makes them ideal for edging pathways, softening hardscapes, or underplanting larger trees and shrubs. Because many varieties are evergreen, they provide steady colour and form in every season.

Order Your Ideal Dwarf Specimen Trees

Explore the diverse range of dwarf specimen trees suited to gardens across New Zealand. From the tidy charmers like Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum), to the stunning Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm), your perfect specimen awaits. Develop a garden full of structure and style, while enjoying the ease of low-maintenance, carefully selected dwarfs designed for Kiwi conditions.


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