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evergreen dogwood tree nz

Looking for the perfect evergreen dogwood tree nz to add year-round beauty and structure to your garden? Whether you’re creating a new landscape or enhancing an established space, the evergreen dogwood tree is a fantastic choice for New Zealand gardeners who love attractive foliage, showy flowers, and minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional deciduous dogwoods, evergreen varieties retain their lush green leaves even through winter months, delivering form and colour in every season. Explore the best options, growing tips, and companion plants for evergreen dogwood trees, right here in NZ.

A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.

Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in spring, ages to become dark green, then develops colourful red and purple tones in autumn before falling. The tree is adorned with clusters of cream-white flowers in summer, which result in small, dark blue berries. It typically grows to 10 m tall and 6 m wide. Cornus controversa makes for a lovely specimen tree and is an excellent choice for adding to a mixed planting, or using as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid cultivar, a cross between Cornus florida and Cornus nuttallii, features large, showy white flowers that appear in spring, followed by red berries in autumn. The tree grows with a narrow, upright form, reaching approximately 6 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Its dark green leaves turn striking shades of red before falling, adding seasonal interest to your garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$343.89
Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.

Cornus kousa National

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera Flaviramea, commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced...

From$299.92
cryptomeria-egmont-1

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree that makes an exceptional and hardy shelterbelt. It features...

From$432.79
Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid...

From$33.68
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.

Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$18.83
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Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
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$26.93
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Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash)

Fraxinus griffithii is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Fraxinus griffithii, commonly known as the Evergreen Ash tree, is an attractive...

From$299.92
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Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and...

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Lomandra Evergreen Baby growing as a ground cover with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, deep-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.48
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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

From$343.89
Carex maorica growing in water.

Carex maorica (NZ Sedge)

Carex maorica is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that forms attractive clumps of arching, green foliage. Found naturally in wetlands and damp areas...

From$15.53
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$97.13
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...

Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$141.61
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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
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis is a much-loved shrub in NZ gardens. It is most commonly grown as a specimen, used as a hedge (both trimmed and untrimmed), added to a...

From$33.68
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$457.29
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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...

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Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

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From$28.28
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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...

A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

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Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

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Cornus controversa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Carex, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Cornus, Crassula, Cryptomeria, Dacrydium, Dichroa, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuchsia, Hoheria, Lagunaria, Laurus, Liriope, Lomandra, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Phyllocladus, Quercus, Schefflera Sequoiadendron and Sorbus, or related Categories - Plant Guards, Conifer Trees, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search evergreen dogwood tree nz

Why Choose an Evergreen Dogwood Tree in NZ?

An evergreen dogwood tree brings both ornamental appeal and practical benefits to any NZ garden. These trees are valued for their glossy green foliage, elegant habit, and profuse spring and summer blooms. Evergreen dogwoods are tolerant of a range of conditions, from coastal sites to inland gardens, and their resilience makes them ideal for Kiwi gardeners seeking longevity and ease of care.

Dogwoods thrive in mild climates, making them perfect for much of New Zealand where winters are not harsh enough to cause leaf drop. Their flowers attract pollinators, while the persistent leaves provide shelter for native birds year-round. With the right placement and care, an evergreen dogwood will stand out as a focal point or blend beautifully into mixed borders and woodland settings.

Popular Dogwood Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

While the classic evergreen dogwood tree is renowned for its persistent foliage, there are several dogwood species and cultivars worth considering, each with its own strengths. For those seeking a stunning layered effect, Cornus controversa is a standout, often called the wedding cake tree for its tiered branch structure. It can be used as a signature piece or in larger landscapes for dramatic visual impact.

Another superb choice is Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten', prized for its delicate white flowers and attractive leaves. For gardens where both flower show and enduring foliage are desirable, Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' offers reliable performance and gorgeous blossoms. And for a striking display of creamy white blooms, Cornus kousa National combines elegance and durability in NZ conditions.

If you’re looking to complement your evergreen dogwood with vivid winter stems, Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' delivers bright chartreuse stems as well as attractive foliage, offering colour and texture through the colder months.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Evergreen Dogwood Trees

Evergreen dogwood trees thrive in well-drained, fertile soils with regular moisture but dislike waterlogged locations. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded position, sheltered from strong winds, for best results. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and feed with a balanced fertiliser each spring. Pruning is minimal, usually just to shape or remove damaged branches.

When planning your garden, evergreen dogwoods work well with woodland companions, shade-loving shrubs, and perennial borders. Their year-round presence makes them ideal for front lawns, courtyards, and mixed beds—anywhere you want lasting structure and reliable beauty.

Find the Best Evergreen Dogwood Tree NZ-wide

At our nursery, we stock a selection of dogwood trees suited for New Zealand’s climate and garden styles. Browse our range of popular dogwood species on pages like Cornus controversa, Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten', Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder', Cornus kousa National, and Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' to find the right tree for your garden. With expert advice and quality plants, your evergreen dogwood tree will thrive and transform your outdoor space for years to come.


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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.

While Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Acer Stella Rossa, Camellia 'Buttons and Bows', and Salvia So Cool Violet quietly shine in any garden.
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