Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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evergreen mop top trees nz

Searching for the perfect "evergreen mop top trees nz" for your New Zealand garden? These lush, compact trees offer classic structure and year-round greenery, making them a top choice for Kiwi landscapes. If you love tidy shapes, dappled shade, or need a feature tree for courtyards, driveways, or streetscapes, evergreen mop tops are ideal.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves that become adorned with masses of lovely white flowers in the summer. It grows densely initially and tends to become more open with age, reaching a height of 5 m and a width of 3 m. Myoporum laetum is commonly included in coastal gardens, used in mixed plantings, grown for shelter or as a screen, or incorporated into native plantings.

Buy Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

From $28.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Screening

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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 white star shaped flowers in summer that stand out against its glossy green foliage. This evergreen species is fast growing and provides excellent shelter, shade, and seasonal interest. With its striking form and toughness, Hoheria populnea is a superb choice for NZ gardens, lifestyle blocks, and native revegetation projects.

Buy Hoheria populnea

From $18.83

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 8.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

What Are Evergreen Mop Top Trees?

Evergreen mop top trees refer to compact, round-headed trees that keep their glossy leaves throughout the year. They’re known for their sculpted "ball on a stick" appearance and ability to create an elegant, structured look, while requiring little maintenance beyond a seasonal trim. These trees are especially popular in NZ formal gardens, commercial spaces, and modern home landscapes.

Popular Mop Top Tree Types in NZ

In New Zealand, the classic Robinia Mop Top is well-loved for its resilience and compact foliage. While Robinia is deciduous, many gardeners prefer truly evergreen varieties for continuous colour.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio): A stunning NZ native option. Its glossy evergreen leaves and dense growth habit make it perfect for shaping into a mop top. Discover more about Myoporum laetum (Ngaio).
Hoheria populnea: Also known as lacebark, this showy native brings clusters of white summer flowers along with its lush evergreen canopy. Train it as a mop top for visual drama; see Hoheria populnea for more details.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata': This variegated form adds interest with creamy-white edged leaves, offering the same evergreen benefits. Discover Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' for formal planting schemes.
Podocarpus totara: A traditional NZ native with dense, dark green foliage, Totara is naturally shapely and can be pruned as an evergreen mop top. For more on this versatile tree, visit Podocarpus totara.

Best Uses for Evergreen Mop Top Trees in NZ Gardens

Evergreen mop top trees offer year-round visual structure. Use them as feature trees in lawns, borders along paths or driveways, or as a series in formal avenues. Their neat shape makes them perfect for pots at entrances or framing patios, and their evergreen leaves provide continued privacy, shade, and wind protection.

How to Plant and Care for Evergreen Mop Top Trees

Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Stake young trees for straight growth and prune annually to maintain the desired mop top form. Most mop tops, including NZ natives, are low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and respond well to clipping.

Where to Buy Evergreen Mop Top Trees in NZ

Ready to add structure and elegance to your outdoor space? Explore our range, including the classic Robinia Mop Top, striking natives like Myoporum laetum (Ngaio), and distinctive alternatives such as Hoheria populnea, Podocarpus totara, and Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'.

Explore our full collection of "evergreen mop top trees nz" and bring year-round structure and style to your garden.

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.