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evergreen dogwood varieties

If you're searching for evergreen dogwood varieties to bring lasting beauty and year-round foliage to your New Zealand garden, you've come to the right place. Evergreen dogwoods are prized for their glossy leaves, attractive blooms, and resilience even in mild winters—making them ideal for landscaping that remains lush in every season. Whether you're seeking a specimen tree, privacy screening, or a low-maintenance feature plant, understanding the options among evergreen dogwood varieties will help you create a vibrant outdoor space that thrives and delights.

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 'Milky Way' specimen tree covered in masses of white flowers.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' features large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red before falling. It grows with a broad and spreading crown to about 5 m tall and 6 m wide. Cornus 'Milky Way' is commonly grown as a specimen and is excellent for including in a mixed planting, using in avenue plantings, or including in a cottage garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, 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...

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Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten'

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' features large and showy, white flowers during spring and summer, which are followed by red berries in autumn. It grows...

From$343.89
podocarpus-henkelii-1

Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii, commonly known as Henkels Yellowwood, features dense and lush, dark green foliage which is held in a pendulous manner. This...

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A Cornus 'Cloud 9' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.

Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Cornus 'Cloud 9' produces masses of showy, single, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The foliage...

From$299.92
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...

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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...

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Cornus 'Spring Song' rose-pink flowers.

Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

Cornus florida 'Spring Song' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, rose-pink flowers are...

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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...

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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...

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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
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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

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Viburnum Dense Fence

Viburnum Dense Fence is an evergreen shrub that features glossy foliage that emerges red and ages to become dark green. Left untrimmed it will grow...

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Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus

Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus is an evergreen shrub that produces spiny leaves which are variegated dark green with a cream edge. The foliage is...

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Azalea Autumn Starlite (Autumn Starlite Azalea)

Azalea Autumn Starlite is grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering in spring and autumn. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of large...

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eucryphia-cordifolia--1

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo)

Commonly known as Ulmo, this is a handsome, evergreen tree renowned for both its attractive foliage and pleasant flowers. The sweetly fragrant...

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Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

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Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It produces spiny...

From$32.33
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Cunonia capensis

Cunonia capensis, commonly known as the Butter Knife Bush, is a fast-growing tree that features lovely foliage and interesting flowers. It has large...

From$70.13
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.

Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$176.27
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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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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
Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' plant with pink flower buds above lush, dark green foliage.

Viburnum Eve Price

Viburnum 'Eve Price' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its flowers, foliage, and tidy form. It features dark green foliage, pink buds in...

From$26.93
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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
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Sarcococca ruscifolia (Fragrant Sweetbox)

Sarcococca ruscifolia, commonly known as Fragrant Sweet Box, this is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush foliage and fragrant flowers. It carries...

From$26.93
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Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues...

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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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Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold)

Tagetes lemmonii, commonly known as Copper Canyon Daisy, Lemmon Marigold, or the Mexican Marigold plant, is a bushy, evergreen shrub grown for its...

From$24.23
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.

Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

From$26.93
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Azalea Pink Ice

Azalea Pink Ice is a popular variety due to its lovely form and profuse flowering through winter and spring. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces...

From$36.38
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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
Cornus controversa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alnus, Azalea, Callistemon, Cedrus, Cornus, Cryptomeria, Cunonia, Daphniphyllum, Eucryphia, Lomandra, Magnolia, Osmanthus, Podocarpus, Prostanthera, Sarcococca, Schinus, Tagetes Taxus and Viburnum, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Grasses, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search evergreen dogwood

What Makes Evergreen Dogwoods Special?

Evergreen dogwoods set themselves apart through their unique combination of ornamental blooms and persistent foliage, offering interest throughout the year. While many dogwood species are deciduous, a handful of standout varieties retain their leaves, making them a favourite for gardeners seeking structure and colour in winter. The evergreen forms tend to flourish in temperate climates, where they can be used as focal points, hedges, or anchors in mixed plantings.

Popular Evergreen Dogwood Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

One of the most reliable evergreen dogwood varieties is Cornus capitata, also known as Himalayan dogwood or Bentham’s cornel. This graceful tree features leathery, deep green foliage that stays vibrant through winter, and it produces creamy white flowers in late spring followed by red berry-like fruits. Cornus capitata is well suited to New Zealand's climate, thriving in sheltered spots with well-drained soil. Its manageable size and picturesque form make it ideal for both urban and rural gardens.

For additional evergreen interest, gardeners may combine Cornus capitata with flowering companions like Philadelphus Snowdrift (Philadelphus). While philadelphus is not a dogwood, its profusion of fragrant white blooms complements the elegant flowers of dogwoods and adds diversity to your landscape.

Choosing the Best Evergreen Dogwood for Your Space

When selecting evergreen dogwood varieties, consider the site conditions. Evergreen dogwoods generally prefer partial shade but will adapt to full sun in cooler regions. They appreciate moist, well-drained soils and benefit from a layer of mulch to protect roots. Shelter from harsh winds will ensure foliage remains glossy and undamaged. For compact gardens, Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' offers a semi-evergreen habit with eye-catching flowers, while Cornus florida 'Spring Song' and Cornus 'Cloud 9' provide beautiful dogwood blooms and work well in mixed borders.

Landscaping Uses and Care Tips

Evergreen dogwood varieties are perfect for creating structure, screening, or anchoring garden beds. Their persistent foliage is invaluable for winter colour, and their seasonal blooms attract pollinators and support biodiversity. To keep your dogwoods healthy, water during dry spells, and prune lightly to shape or remove damaged branches in early spring. Combining evergreens with deciduous varieties like Cornus florida 'Spring Song' ensures a succession of interest throughout the year.

Explore Our Dogwood Collection

Ready to introduce evergreen dogwood varieties to your landscape? Browse our range—including the stunning Cornus capitata and other feature dogwoods like Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' and Cornus 'Cloud 9'—to find the perfect trees for your garden. For companion shrubs, consider Philadelphus Snowdrift (Philadelphus) for a harmonious mix of bloom and evergreen structure.

Discover the beauty and resilience of evergreen dogwood varieties—transform your garden and enjoy lasting foliage all year round.


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 spotlight often lands on Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii, but Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine), Radermachera sinica, and Cornus kousa 'Satomi' deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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